FCTS celebrated the achievements and dedication of its Health Technology students by presenting certifications they earned to nursing assistants, medical assistants and phlebotomy technicians.
The ceremony was held under the tent and was attended by family members and friends of the honorees.
"Today marks a milestone not only in the lives of our esteemed seniors but also in the ongoing pursuit of excellence in healthcare," Melissa Lynde, Health Tech instructor, said to the crowd.
Lynde added that the pinning ceremony signifies more than a completion of a program, but as certified professionals they will play an important role in the "healthcare ecosystem" at the frontline of patient care.
To the seniors, Lynde commended their dedication to completing each program.
"Your journey to reach this point has been filled with challenges, sacrifices and countless hours of work," she said. "But through it all, you have demonstrated unwavering commitment, compassion and resilience. Your dedication to serving others and providing compassionate care to those in need is truly commendable."
Lynde credited the support and encouragement of family, friends and mentors for standing by the seniors throughout the last four years. She closed by saying she is confident the students would go on to make a profound difference as healthcare professionals.
"May your careers be filled with fulfillment, purpose and endless opportunities for growth," Lynde said.
The students who received their pins are:
John Carmichael - Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, Certified Phlebotomy Technician, CPR certification
Aislynn Decoteau - Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, Certified Phlebotomy Technician, CPR certification
Nicolas Drake - Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, Certified Nursing Assistant, CPR certification
Gabrielle Gauthier - Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, CPR certificate, Home Health Aide
Kaitlyn Harris - Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, Certified Phlebotomy Technician, Certified Nursing Assistant,
Home Health Aide, CPR certification
Mykaylah VonSchmidt - Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, Certified Phlebotomy Technician, Home Health aide, CPR technician
Madix Whitman - Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, Home Health Aide, CPR certification
Natalie Bardwell - Certified Nursing Assistant, Home Health Aide, CPR certification
Haleigh Benoit - Certified Nursing Assistant, Home Health Aide, CPR certification
Owen Cody - Certified Nursing Assistant, CPR certification
Norah Drowski - Certified Nursing Assistant, Home Health Aide, CPR certification
Ruby March - Certified Nursing Assistant, Home Health Aide, CPR certification
Tiana Rosario - Certified Nursing Assistant, Certified Phlebotomy Technician, Home Health Aide, CPR certification
Laken Woodard - Certified Nursing Assistant, Certified Phlebotomy Technician, Home Health Aide, CPR certification
Following the ceremony, Carmichael said he'll continue his healthcare education at Greenfield Community College in the fall. He hopes to earn a bachelor's degree in biology at UMass Amherst, and go onto UMass Medical School in Worcester and hopes to eventually become a physician.
Carmichael praised the FCTS Health Technology program for the education he recieved.
"It was phenomenal," he said. "The quality of the education is ten times better than anywhere else. The teachers were amazing."
Decoteau said she will attend Springfield Technical Community College to become a registered nurse, and then to Bay Path University to become a physician's assistant.
"This doesn't feel real," she said. "I've wanted to go into health care ever since I was little."
