Speakers at summer commencement urge graduates to give back, take risks and seek joy

Piedmont Technical College (PTC) graduates were urged by speakers to give back to their college and communities, take risks and seek joy during two commencement ceremonies on Aug. 7 at the James Medford Family Event Center in Greenwood.

“Today we celebrate not only your accomplishments but also the unique journey that has brought each of you here,” said PTC President Dr. Hope E. Rivers.

“As you step into the world as a graduate, remember that your relationship with Piedmont Tech does not end here. You are now part of a vast network of alumni who are making a difference in their communities,” Rivers said. “I encourage you to give back – not only to your college but to your community.”

Antonia Adams, a PTC alumna now attending the George Washington University Law School, spoke eloquently about overcoming grief and hardship after the deaths of her parents.

She also challenged graduates: "Take risks, be open to change and embrace every moment that life has to offer ... And no matter what, keep pushing. Because the twists and turns that seem unimaginable and impossible are your perfect journey."

Before receiving his paramedic certificate, George Boyd Jr. told graduates at the morning commencement that their future holds risks and rewards.

"We risk failure, awkwardness, embarrassment and rejection. But that is how we create the career opportunities, the great friendships and the loves that make this life worth living," Boyd said.

Sterlin Hill Sr. offered inspiring words of encouragement to his fellow PTC graduates at the afternoon commencement.

“Remember, you’ve already proven you can persevere and see things through. You’ve handled the unknown, you’ve grown through struggle, and you are more than ready for what’s next,” Hill said. “So, I say to you, walk with confidence, stay curious and every now and then, take a moment to laugh, because joy is part of the journey, too."

PLEASE NOTE: PIEDMONT TECHNICAL COLLEGE’S AUGUST 2025 GRADUATES AND THEIR AREAS OF STUDY ARE LISTED BELOW. 
Piedmont Tech shares in the well-deserved pride our graduates feel in their accomplishments. Due to semester and course delivery changes during the 2025 summer semester, some courses and grades are still being finalized. For that reason, names of students who may not meet graduation requirements may be included. Conversely, names of students who will later meet those requirements after publication may be omitted. We regret any embarrassment or inconvenience these ongoing course completions may cause. An official list of all 2025 summer graduates will be maintained by the Student Records Office once all courses and grading have been completed.

ABBEVILLE COUNTY
ABBEVILLE – *Marissa Arrowood, associate in applied science, major in surgical technology; Sydney M. Broome, associate in applied science, major in nursing; **Julia Elizabeth Busby, diploma in applied science, major in pharmacy technician; *Amber Noel Davis, diploma in applied science, major in pharmacy technician; **Jazzlen Ar’zya Davis, associate in applied science, major in surgical technology; Dalisha Cachet Evans, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; **Deborah Marie Franklin, associate in applied science, major in surgical technology; *Kalisha Alaja Gray, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration; Lateisha Cherese Gray, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Erin Hagood, associate in applied science, major in nursing; *Brittani N. Hicks, associate in applied science, major in human services; **Kasandra Breana Hough, diploma in applied science, major in pharmacy technician; *Santannia D. Jones, associate in applied science, major in early care and education/**certificate in early childhood development; Heather D. Martin, associate in applied science, major in business administration; Reola Shade’ Moore, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Heather Graham Morris, associate in applied science, major in business administration, accounting concentration/certificate in accounting; **Hakeria J. Patterson, associate in applied science, major in business administration, accounting concentration/**certificate in accounting; Portia Lynette Robinson, associate in applied science, major in business administration; Hunter Alan Sims, associate in applied science, major in general technology, advertising design with photography concentration/certificate in advertising design/certificate in photography; *Landyn Joseph Stoltzfus, associate in applied science, major in machine tool technology/*diploma in applied science, major in machine tool; *Noelle Reagan Thompson, associate in science; **Katelyn Thrasher, diploma in applied science, major in pharmacy technician; Ashanta Inez Ware, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; Emalie Grace White, associate in arts; **Brady Wilson, certificate in automotive fundamentals; and Rhett Pruitt Wilson, associate in applied science, major in computer technology, networking concentration. 

BRADLEY – *Amber Brown, associate in applied science, major in general technology, medical assisting concentration/*diploma in applied science, major in medical assisting.

CALHOUN FALLS – *Krystal Worden, associate in applied science, major in business administration.

DONALDS – Gianna Akin, diploma in applied science, major in pharmacy technician; Braden D. Allen, associate in applied science, major in mechanical engineering technology; Gabrielle Sarah Jean Booker, associate in applied science, major in surgical technology; **Rebecca Moore Branyon, diploma in applied science, major in pharmacy technician; **Gaven Alexander Hill, associate in applied science, major in computer science technology, networking concentration/**certificate in pc technician; and Sydny Elizabeth Miller, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.

DUE WEST – **Toni Samantha Clinkscales, associate in applied science, major in business administration, accounting concentration/***certificate in accounting.

GREENWOOD – *Austin J. Navey, associate in applied science, major in surgical technology.

HODGES – Mari Shannon Wilson, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.

HONEA PATH – *Amanda Cox Dooley, associate in applied science, major in surgical technology.

WARE SHOALS – Sophia K. Traynham, diploma in applied science, major in pharmacy technology.

ANDERSON COUNTY
ANDERSON – *Casey Isaiah Clinkscales, certificate in paramedic; Tai’Leah S. Crawford, certificate in university studies; ***Thomas Furman Gerrard, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; Sonja Sharese Johnson, associate in applied science, major in human services; Latoya Morman, diploma in applied science, major in medical assisting; **Justin T. Owen, certificate in paramedic; *Latosha Williams, associate in applied science, major in business administration, human resources generalist concentration.

BELTON – Catherine N. Price, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, accounting concentration.

HONEA PATH – Jesse Brandon Bagwell, associate in applied science, major in heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology/certificate in refrigeration applications; *Jasmine Grace Higginbotham, certificate in university studies; *Gabriel Todd Miller, associate in applied science, major in nursing; and Charity Nicolle Trangmar, associate in applied science, major in nursing.

PELZER – Jennifer Baker, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.

EDGEFIELD COUNTY
EDGEFIELD – ***George H. Boyd Jr., certificate in paramedic; **Tucker Allen Metz, associate in applied science, major in automotive technology/***certificate in automotive fundamentals; Biancia Sierra Miles, diploma in applied science, major in medical assisting/associate in applied science, major in general technology, medical assisting concentration; *Tierra Shantese Pixley, diploma in applied science, major in pharmacy technician; and **Isaac Nathaniel Whatley, certificate in university studies.

JOHNSTON – *Drucilla Denise Dublin, associate in applied science, major in business administration, management concentration; *Rovonna Jones, associate in applied science, major in early care and education/certificate in early childhood development; David Gabriel Mason Jr., associate in applied science, major in business administration; Latasha M. Williams, associate in applied science, major in business administration; and Jennifer Jane Young, associate in applied science, major in business administration, human resources generalist concentration.

MCCORMICK – T’Mara Yamedra Gilchrist, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration/certificate in office technician.

GREENVILLE COUNTY
FOUNTAIN INN – *Quinshaud Hill, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology.

GREENVILLE – *Manicka Smith, certificate in university studies.

GREER – Erin Nicole Turner, associate in applied science, major in nursing.

PIEDMONT – *Shomona Griffin, associate in applied science, major in general technology, medical assisting concentration/*diploma in applied science, major in medical assisting.

SIMPSONVILLE – Angela M. Baddy, associate in applied science, major in business administration; and Takesha Young, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.

TAYLORS – Yancy Jackson Lyle, certificate in university studies.

TRAVELERS REST – *Caleb Vince Graybill, associate in applied science, major in diversified agriculture.

GREENWOOD COUNTY
BRADLEY – Kaitlynn Polatty Timmerman, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.

DONALDS – James Bryson Cobb, certificate in university studies; and **Kameron Gage Madden, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology.

GREENWOOD – **Victoria P. Baynham, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration; **Chanel Patricia Belton, associate in applied science, major in general technology, medical assisting concentration/**diploma in applied science, major in medical assisting; Ethan Cary Bentley, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; Rachel Tolbert Blair, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration/certificate in office technician; Mikayla A. Bowman, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; *Thomas Mcduffie Bridges, associate in applied science, major in general technology, paramedic concentration/**certificate in paramedic; *Gracie Lee Buckner, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; Maria Calvo Juarez, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration; ***Jacob William Campbell, certificate in university studies; Helen Stephanie Casillas, diploma in applied science, major in medical assisting; Audriana G. Chadwick, certificate in university studies; Tamara Jeaneen Chandler, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration; *Caleb Tabor Cook, associate in applied science, major in business administration; **Courtney Danielle Culbreath, certificate in digital rendering and gaming; Brittney Shandell Davis, associate in applied science, major in nursing; ***Jayro De Los Santos-Rangel, associate in applied science, major in business administration; **Preston D. Dibona, certificate in advanced welding; *Rebekah Machelle Easler, associate in applied science, major in general technology, advertising design with photography concentration/*certificate in advertising design/**certificate in photography; **Alex Flores, certificate in automotive fundamentals; Karlin Ramon Foster, associate in applied science, major in electronic engineering technology; Kenyatta Frazier, associate in applied science, major in business administration, management concentration; *Noel Breanna Goldman, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration; *Jonee Shaleigh Goodwin, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration; Watisha Sharee Hardy, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Michelle Dawn Hollingsworth, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration/certificate in office technician; Kaniya Tyshee Holloway, associate in applied science, major in business administration; *Michael Brenard Holloway Sr., certificate in automotive fundamentals; *Latoya Michele Jackson, diploma in applied science, major in pharmacy technician; Amanda Grace James, associate in applied science, major in heating, ventilation and air conditioning technology; **Isaiah Xavier Johnson, certificate in advanced welding; Hope Christine Jones, associate in applied science, major in early care and education/*certificate in early childhood development; Brandon Jose, certificate in advanced welding; Erica Lane Koon, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Allison Landeros-Hernandez, associate in applied science, major in surgical technology; *Kayla Marie Livingston, associate in applied science, major in general technology, medical assisting concentration/diploma in applied science, major in medical assisting; **Demetrius A. Mack, associate in applied science, major in computer technology, programming concentration; **Faith V. Mcmann, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; **Robert Tyler Medlock, associate in applied science, major in machine tool technology/**diploma in applied science, major in machine tool; Patricia Mendoza Perez, certificate in university studies; Maya Demetriana Middleton, certificate in university studies; **Brian Montero-Lopez, associate in applied science, major in automotive technology/***certificate in automotive fundamentals; Maddox Brooks Moore, associate in arts; Savannah Grace Moore, associate in arts/associate in science; **Caitlin Angela Nickles, associate in applied science, major in business administration, accounting concentration/***certificate in accounting; Toni Kenya Owens, certificate in accounting; *Victoria Thomya Palmore, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; **Adolfo Rojas-Lopez, associate in applied science, major in engineering design technology; *Kendall Brooke Sanders, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration; Zakiya Miangel Searles, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; **Crystal H. Simmons, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration; **Jessica Josephine Skrentny, certificate in accounting; *Charnelle L. Stevens, associate in applied science, major in general technology, medical assisting concentration/*diploma in applied science, major in medical assisting; Tammy Thompson, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration; Jessica E. Thornton, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration; Peter Thurlow, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Image Tolbert, associate in applied science, major in human services; Gena Renee Tutton, associate in applied science, major in business administration; Alina Chantal Williams, associate in applied science, major in early care and education/*certificate in early childhood development; *Emery Kyle Williams, certificate in advanced welding; I’Daishya Benay Willis, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; **Kearstin Alexandria Williams, associate in applied science, major in computer technology, programming concentration; Samantha Leigh Willis, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration; **Dawn Denise Wilson, associate in applied science, major in surgical technology; *Shel’see Lillie Wilson, associate in applied science, major in human services; Owen Eli Wood, certificate in digital rendering and gaming; and Trinity Juanita Wynee Yeldell, certificate in university studies.

HODGES – **Thalia Elisa Catapano, certificate in university studies; Kaitlin Shae Davis, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Austin Taylor Johnson, associate in applied science, major in business administration/associate in applied science, major in business administration, management concentration; Malik Da’Wayne Mason, associate in applied science, major in business administration; *Christina Renee Richardson, associate in applied science, major in business administration/*associate in applied science, major in business administration, accounting concentration/*certificate in accounting; Deidra N. Sieburg, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Shandreika Vanshay Smith-Watts, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; and Kailey Nicole Welch, associate in applied science, major in general technology, advertising design with photography concentration/certificate in advertising design/certificate in photography.

NINETY SIX – **Addison Allen, associate in applied science, major in general technology, major in advertising design with photography concentration/certificate in advertising/certificate in photography; **Christopher Wayne Brissey, associate in applied science, major in computer technology, networking concentration; LaNasia Brown, diploma in applied science, major in pharmacy technician; Hailey Elizabeth Fuller, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration; *Elisa Elizabeth Gonzalez, certificate in university studies; **Ashley Michelle Threlkeld, associate in applied science, major in business administration, accounting concentration/**certificate in accounting; Sydney Eubanks Threlkeld, associate in applied science, major in nursing; and Chevney Williams, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.

WARE SHOALS – Gianni C. Givens, diploma in applied science, major in pharmacy technician; Taylor Hodges, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; ***Joseph Wayne Kletzke, certificate in automotive fundamentals; Ke’Erra Shy-Nequa Parks, associate in applied science, major in general technology, medical assisting concentration/diploma in applied science, major in medical assisting; *Kristy Lynn Shipps, associate in applied science, major in business administration/*associate in applied science, major in business administration, accounting concentration/**certificate in accounting.

KERSHAW COUNTY
CAMDEN – Leila Marie Seymour, associate in applied science, major in computer technology, networking concentration/certificate in pc technician.

LAURENS COUNTY
CLINTON – Morgan Leigh Belhumeur, associate in applied science, major in business administration, management concentration; Ryan Miles Chaplin Jr., associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; **Daniel Allen Dendy, associate in applied science, major in business administration, accounting concentration/**certificate in accounting; Thomas Floyd, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; Somekia C. Key-Williams, certificate in office technician; Jaylin R. King, associate in applied science, major in general technology, medical assisting concentration; *Lashera Jhirell Francina Mull, associate in applied science, major in surgical technology; **Alyssa M. Richey, associate in applied science, major in surgical technology; and *Leah Paige Samples, associate in applied science, major in early care and education/**certificate in early childhood development. 

CROSS HILL – *Kimberly D. Beane, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice.

ENOREE – Kay Francis Green, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration.

FOUNTAIN INN – Lana Dale Burnett, certificate in office technician.

GRAY COURT – Bradley Duwayne Beck, associate in applied science, major in computer technology, programming concentration; Donisha Tiara Choice, associate in applied science, major in business administration; **Devan Leigh Golden, certificate in university studies; **Anna Lael Martin, associate in applied science, major in general technology, digital rendering with advertising or photography concentration/**certificate in digital rendering and gaming; Yair Alexis Martinez-Abundez, associate in applied science, major in general technology, welding concentration; ***Jomar Portillo, certificate in university studies; Octavious Tatiyhanna Todd, associate in applied science, major in surgical technology. 

JOANNA – Cayden W. Nelson, certificate in university studies; and **Sara Lynn Tobin, certificate in university studies.

KINARDS – Nicholas M. Burns, associate in arts/*certificate in university studies; and Sarah R. Diaz, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration.

LAURENS –**James G. Abell, associate in applied science, major in business administration; Christina Burnette, diploma in applied science, major in pharmacy technician; Aimy Burrow, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Emma M. Dodge, associate in applied science, major in general technology, digital rendering with advertising or photography concentration/certificate in digital rendering and gaming; *Amy Karol Elkin, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration; Patricia Ann Fowler, diploma in applied science, major in pharmacy technician; Jessica Garrett, diploma in applied science, major in medical assisting; Lisa Michele Garrett, associate in applied science, major in general technology, medical assisting concentration/diploma in applied science, major in medical assisting; ***Wayne Curtis Howard Jr., associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; **Julie Michelle Jennemann, associate in applied science, major in general technology, paramedic concentration/**certificate in paramedic; **Stephen Alex Jennemann, certificate in paramedic; Ileshia Lenette Johnson, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration/certificate in office technician; *Kerigan Grace Kennedy, associate in applied science, major in surgical technology; Julia Katherine Marlett, associate in applied science, major in general technology, digital rendering with advertising or photography concentration/certificate in digital rendering and gaming; **Justin Richey, associate in applied science, major in business administration, human resources generalist concentration; **Heather N. Sipes, associate in applied science, major in business administration, management concentration; **Jodilynn Thackston, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration; Amanda Wilson, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration; and **Patricia Kay Wilson, associate in applied science, major in surgical technology.

WARE SHOALS – Josie B. Case, associate in applied science, major in general technology, photography with advertising design concentration/certificate in photography; Virginia James, certificate in office technician; and **Brody X. Lansing, certificate in automotive fundamentals.

WATERLOO – **Jenna Campbell, associate in applied science, major in business administration, management concentration; *Danica Helmer, certificate in paramedic; Brandi L. Morgan, certificate in university studies; Olivia Ashton Partlow, associate in applied science, major in human services; and **Zachary Bryce Polson, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology.

LEXINGTON COUNTY
CHAPIN – Sienna Kathleen Gower, certificate in university studies.

COLUMBIA – **Alexandria Moore, certificate in university studies.

GILBERT – Kaydence B. Juergens, associate in applied science, major in business administration.

LEESVILLE – Mendy Elaine Johnson, associate in applied science, major in nursing; and Madison Rikard, associate in applied science, major in general technology, digital rendering with advertising or photography concentration.

LEXINGTON – Tremeka La’Doris Jones, associate in arts/certificate in university studies; and Shannon Lamar Lytes, associate in applied science, major in business administration.

McCORMICK COUNTY
McCORMICK – **Jerald Rocriquez Anderson Jr., associate in applied science, major in electronic engineering technology; and Tkeveon Robert Creswell, associate in applied science, major in business administration, management concentration.

PLUM BRANCH – *Cayla Joy Smith, associate in applied science, major in general technology, medical assisting concentration/**diploma in applied science, major in medical assisting.

NEWBERRY COUNTY
KINARDS – Isabelle Lee Donahue, certificate in photography/certificate in advertising design. 

LITTLE MOUNTAIN – **Zoie Marie Fulmer, associate in applied science, major in human services.

NEWBERRY – *Wilbur Saxon Bouknight, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; Ethan Bright, associate in arts; Alan Espinoza, diploma in applied science, major in machine tool; **Johnny Espinoza Hernandez, certificate in advanced welding; ***Osmar Gonzalez Jeronimo, certificate in automotive fundamentals; Latavia Kadijah Harmon, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Marawan Ahmed Hassan, certificate in university studies; Mackenzie Cyan Houseal, associate in applied science, major in surgical technology; Jayla Anise Lindsay, associate in applied science, major in business administration/certificate in accounting; *Brianna N. Marzzarella, certificate in university studies; *Ethan Hunter Meetze, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; Dylan Patrick Shannon, associate in applied science, major in general technology, digital rendering with advertising or photography concentration; **Oscar Sosa, certificate in automotive fundamentals; *Fred William Tucker, certificate in university studies; Iesha Latona Wheeler, certificate in university studies;  and William Harold White, associate in applied science, major in business administration.

POMARIA – Travis Lee Beard, associate in applied science, major in machine tool technology/diploma in applied science, major in machine tool; and Katlyn Lominack Ruff, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.

PROSPERITY – Thomas W. Caldwell III, certificate in university studies; *Latoya Nicole Lindler, associate in applied science, major in surgical technology; and Payton Elizabeth Metts, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.

RICHLAND COUNTY
COLUMBIA – Cash Ray, certificate in university studies.

HOPKINS – Talisa Octavia Reese, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.

IRMO – Todd A. Grosh, associate in applied science, major in machine tool technology/diploma in applied science, major in machine tool; *Andi Roberts, certificate in university studies; and Daniel Shull, certificate in university studies.

SALUDA COUNTY
LEESVILLE – Sarah Oswalt, associate in applied science, major in nursing.

NINETY SIX – Kaitlin Rebecca Fox, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration.

SALUDA – **Ashley Heavner, certificate in paramedic; Patricia Michelle Leyva Hernandez, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; *Daniela Becerra Middleton, associate in applied science, major in surgical technology; Brendorsha Lafaye Morris, associate in applied science, major in nursing; **Nathan King Padgett, certificate in university studies; Nicholas D. Phipps, associate in science; and Clentine B. Rowe, diploma in applied science, major in pharmacy technician.

SPARTANBURG COUNTY
ROEBUCK – **Caylea Rhodes, associate in applied science, major in business administration, accounting concentration/**certificate in accounting. 

SPARTANBURG – Tierra Watson, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.

YORK COUNTY
ROCK HILL – *Morgan Taylor Lail, certificate in university studies.

OUT OF STATE
AUGUSTA, Ga. – Aniyah Octoria Brown, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.

ELBERTON, Ga. – Patrice E. Dunn, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.

GROVETOWN, Ga. – *Emily Midla, associate in applied science, major in surgical technology; and ***Kelly Deonne Poole, associate in applied science, major in nursing.

PORTSMOUTH, Va. – William Carmine, associate in applied science, major in general technology, gunsmithing concentration.

THORNTON, Colo. – **Erika Danielle Holton, associate in applied science, major in business administration, accounting concentration/**certificate in accounting.

***Summa Cum Laude-4.0      **Magna Cum Laude-3.75-3.99      *Cum Laude-3.5-3.74