It seemed that grief and failure had become permanent themes in Ebony Ellis’s young life. A survivor of domestic abuse, Ellis tried twice between 2013 and 2019 to complete classes at Piedmont Technical College (PTC) while recovering from trauma and grieving the tragic loss of three beloved family members. Each time, she dropped out to work full time and tend to more pressing responsibilities, providing financial support for her family and raising her daughter as a single mother.
“I gave up on school altogether,” Ellis told PTC summer graduates during the college’s afternoon commencement ceremony on Aug. 4, 2022. “I had the weight of the world on my shoulders, and I couldn’t handle anything else. I decided at that point that school was not for me.”
Over the years, Ellis watched her friends earn degrees and achieve career success while she settled into a subsistence lifestyle. It took the persistent urging of a co-worker in Newberry to persuade her finally to turn the corner. While working as a medical assistant, a nurse practitioner by the name of Barbie Johnson would not stop imploring Ellis to re-enroll in college.
“I told her I had flunked out of college twice and wasn’t about to go back again,” Ellis recalled. “I explained to her that I was working full time and I was a single parent. I didn’t have time for school anymore. But she told me — if she could do it, so could I.” It worked.
In fall of 2020, Ellis re-enrolled at PTC and, a year later, was accepted into the Nursing Program. On August 4, she received her Practical Nursing diploma with plans to apply for the Transition Nursing Program at PTC next May. During her PTC journey, she became a college Presidential Ambassador, was voted president of the PN Care Club, received the Louise Rambo Nursing Scholarship, became a member of the National Association of Licensed Practical Nurses (NALPN) Honor Society, and was awarded the Distinguished Student Award for Practical Nursing. “I am living proof that the third time is a charm,” she said.
Tyler Billie, graduating with an associate in applied science degree with a major in general technology, digital rendering, with advertising design concentration, was the student speaker for the Aug. 4 morning graduation. After first majoring in veterinary technology at PTC and with encouragement from his parents, Billie changed his focus to the Commercial Art Program.
“Growing up, art was always my favorite hobby,” Billie told the morning ceremony graduates. “But I always looked at art as only a hobby and never really thought about doing it as a career. … From week one in my first year till, literally, now, it has been a non-stop run. (My instructors) throw multiple projects at their students every week that really challenges and pushes us to see what we can do.”
Billie was honest, admitting that his coursework was stressful at times, but the tough trials were critical to elevating students to the next level, the professional level.
“I have lost plenty of sleep while in these classes, pulling multiple all-nighters. I have stressed about something almost on a weekly basis, restarting and reworking projects, planning, and preparing prints for some of my biggest projects,” he said. “… I can definitely say that I have learned new tricks and skills every week that I’ve been in this program. I feel like I am now ready to start working in this field. I have become a better artist, and I have truly loved my experience.”
Graphic design and illustration are Billie’s specialties, and he hopes to start a career in commercial art as well as to explore freelance opportunities as well.
Self Regional Healthcare President and CEO Dr. Matthew Logan delivered remarks at both ceremonies, offering perspective from a local employer and business leader. He told a story about the lasting impact every individual has the potential to leave, even in what they consider unremarkable deeds and gestures.
A few years ago, he tended to an elderly patient in the Emergency Room who had known his father, also a physician. The woman shared a powerful memory from 35 years earlier of Logan’s father sitting with her younger self and her mom in the ICU as her mother was dying. Having conveyed that there was nothing further they could do medically for her mother, the senior Dr. Logan stayed in the room, sitting on the hospital bed compassionately holding both women’s hands until the older woman peacefully passed away.
“For 35 years, that memory was ingrained in her head, for the rest of her life!” Logan said. He went on to describe a recent letter he received as hospital CEO from a former patient at Self, praising numerous hospital staff members for delivering excellent physical and emotional care of her while in the hospital. She identified each staff person by name.
“Three of individuals mentioned in the letter are Piedmont Tech graduates,” he said. “ … Your presence is something people will remember for the rest of their lives. You make a difference!”
Between the two ceremonies, officials conferred diplomas and other credentials on an estimated 190 summer graduates. (scroll to bottom for graduate list by county)
In closing, Dr. Logan urged, “Never stop setting goals. Self Regional has doors that are open to you. Keep pushing. … Each of us has an opportunity to give back every day. It really can make a huge difference in the community that we live in.”
PLEASE NOTE: PIEDMONT TECHNICAL COLLEGE’S MAY 2022 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 summer 2022 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 summer 2022 graduates will be maintained by the Student Records Office once all courses and grading have been completed.
ABBEVILLE COUNTY
ABBEVILLE – **Nichole Hansen Bowman, associate in applied science, major in general technology, paramedic concentration; Kyle Jarek Calhoun, associate in applied science, major in general technology, surgical technology concentration; Shirley Jean Crawford, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, accounting concentration; Caslyn Brielle Ferguson, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Krystenia Beatrice Chaparro Harris, associate in applied science, major in business administration, accounting concentration/associate in applied science, major in business administration, management concentration; Anna Willette Lumpkin, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration; **Rachel Morris, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration; *Joseph Pinkard, associate in applied science, major in electronic engineering technology; *James Collin Price, associate in applied science, major in general technology, welding concentration; *Alaina Stoll, associate in applied science, major in business administration; Sydney Nicole Sutton, associate in applied science, major in general technology, medical assisting; Durrel Lee Willey, associate in applied science, major in mechanical engineering technology; and **Calvin Wilson, associate in applied science, major in electronic engineering technology.
CALHOUN FALLS – Farinessia M. Allen, associate in applied science, major in business administration, office management concentration; and Alisha A. Bennett, associate in science.
DONALDS –Brandy Wyatt Lee, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; and **Levanah Storm Reil, associate in applied science, major in general technology, digital rendering with advertising design concentration.
IVA – Hailey Jordan Smith, associate in applied science, major in general technology, surgical technology concentration; and ***Taylor Neola Smith, diploma in applied science, major in pharmacy technician.
AIKEN COUNTY
AIKEN – Felita Sherrell Chandler, associate in applied science, major in nursing; and Shameka Renee’ Oakman, associate in applied science, major in human services.
BEECH ISLAND – Felicia A. Abney, associate in applied science, major in nursing; and Brandon Rodriguez Gomez, associate in applied science, major in building construction technology.
ANDERSON COUNTY
BELTON – Landon Ryan Epps, associate in science; Anna McKay Punales, certificate in university studies; and Amanda Smith, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.
HONEA PATH – Jessica Tori Beasley, associate in applied science, major in nursing; and Amanda Grace Schronce, associate in science.
IVA – *Brandi L. Mobley, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration.
EDGEFIELD COUNTY
EDGEFIELD – Hannah Rae Presley, associate in applied science, major in business administration; and Brionna Lashay Johnson, associate in arts/associate in science.
TRENTON – Miranda Wagner, diploma in applied science, major in pharmacy technician.
FAIRFIELD COUNTY
BLAIR – Kathryn Dawn Snow, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.
GREENVILLE COUNTY
BELTON – Melissa K. Brooks, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.
GREENVILLE – Africa Bruster, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Lakeisha Renee Chambers, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration; Latirrani Zhane Harris, associate in science; and Samantha Cochran Jones, associate in applied science, major in human services.
GREER – **Emily Sami, diploma in applied science, major in surgical technology.
HONEA PATH – Kelli Brashier, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.
GREENWOOD COUNTY
BRADLEY – Brianna Williams, associate in applied science, major in business administration, management concentration.
GREENWOOD – *My’Kia I’Zanea Arnold, diploma in applied science, major in pharmacy technician; Wade Matthew Boring, associate in applied science, major in nursing/associate in arts; Lisa Ann Brinkley, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration; Jasmine S. Brown, associate in applied science, major in respiratory care; Lacy Lynn Brown, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration; Taylor Marie Buccellato, associate in applied science, major in general technology, medical assisting concentration; Kadarias Carter, associate in applied science, major in business administration; *Sabrina Robyn Castillo, associate in applied science, major in business administration, accounting concentration; Shalia Devonna Coates, associate in applied science, major in business administration, accounting concentration; Jennifer Butler Daniel, associate in applied science, major in general technology, surgical technology concentration; Jordan Lee Dunn, associate in applied science, major in business administration, management concentration; Janise Elgin, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Paul Anthony Evans, associate in applied science, major in machine tool technology; Myia Galloway, certificate in university studies; Litzy Gonzalez, associate in applied science, major in general technology, pharmacy technology concentration; Nelson Anthony Gonzalez Jr., associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; Tiffany Monique Griffin, diploma in applied science, major in medical assisting; Frank J. Hagen, associate in applied science, major in business administration, accounting concentration; Niya S. Harrison, diploma in applied science, major in surgical technology; Brandon Michael Helton, associate in applied science, major in horticulture technology; Francis Hickey, associate in applied science, major in business administration, management concentration; Jennifer Lynn Hill, associate in applied science, major in general technology, surgical technology concentration; Takeela Denise Hill, associate in applied science, major in general technology, medical assisting concentration; Alfreda Jackson, associate in applied science, major in general technology, surgical technology concentration; Isabel Faulling Kinney, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Cecil Benjiman Langley, associate in applied science, major in building construction technology; Renisha Shada Latimer, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Charles Walter Lawson, associate in applied science, major in computer technology, cybersecurity concentration; Nicole McGee, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical coding/billing concentration; Taylor Margaret Neal, certificate in university studies; Shayla Paul, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Roshundray Shanice Postell, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Alexis Ramirez-Moreno, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; Destiny Reed, associate in applied science, major in nursing; *Salem A. Sartin, associate in applied science, major in general technology, medical assisting concentration; Taniyah Shanell Searles, associate in arts; *Kimberly A. Sieburg, associate in applied science, major in business administration; William Jacob Thompson, associate in science; Aleaya Rakera Turman, associate in arts/associate in science; and Anton Ulysses Williams, associate in applied science, major in mechanical engineering technology.
HODGES – **Etana Baker, certificate in university studies; Brianna N. Davenport, associate in applied science, major in general technology, pharmacy technology concentration; Kaitlin Shae Davis, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Reginia Shirley Gonzalez, diploma in applied science, major in medical assisting; and Haylea Brooke Jones, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.
NINETY SIX – Ciarra Janeile Anthony, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Austin Campbell Dorn, associate in applied science, major in automotive technology; ***Brandon Lee Farver, certificate in advanced welding; Carsyn Mackenzie Hendrix, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; **Justin Alan Roberts, associate in arts/associate in science; and Ashley T. Wells Belcher, diploma in applied science, major in medical assisting.
WARE SHOALS – Nicole Rose Marie Behringer, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; Hannah L. Bridges, associate in applied science, major in general technology, pharmacy technology concentration; Kaley Newgent, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; and Uriah Kordeja Wright, associate in applied science, major in general technology, medical assisting concentration.
LAURENS COUNTY
CLINTON – *Jared Ariel Alvarado, associate in science; **Stephanie L. Anderson, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration; Andabree Dianne Hardy-Boyd, associate in applied science, major in general technology, medical assisting concentration; Tyrez M. Owens, associate in applied science, major in automotive technology; *Janet Teresa Speaks, associate in applied science, major in general technology, medical assisting concentration; and Albertina Thompson, associate in applied science, major in general technology, medical assisting concentration.
CROSS HILL – Lilli Layla Cherry, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; and **Carolina Janelle Wagler, associate in science.
GRAY COURT – ***Robert Peterson, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology.
LAURENS – *Jonathan W. Callahan, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; Elizabeth Huffman, associate in applied science, major in general technology, digital rendering with photography concentration; Christopher David Partain, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; **Estefany Reynoso Milian, associate in applied science, major in business administration, office management concentration/major in business administration; Kiana S. Rice, associate in applied science, major in general technology, medical assisting concentration; and Amber La’Shae Wesley, associate in applied science, major in general technology, surgical technology concentration.
MOUNTVILLE – ***Brandie M. Bishop, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology.
WARE SHOALS – Teri Leigh Morse, associate in applied science, major in general technology, medical assisting concentration.
WATERLOO – *Latitia M. Jones, associate in applied science, major in general technology, medical assisting concentration; and *Sharnice Anteria Rice, associate in applied science, major in general technology, medical assisting concentration.
LEXINGTON COUNTY
BATESBURG – *Tyler Ryan Billie, associate in applied science, major in general technology, digital rendering with advertising design concentration.
COLUMBIA – Frank Wilson III, associate in applied science, major in diversified agriculture.
LEESVILLE – **Trevor Clarke Armstrong, associate in applied science, major in business administration.
LEXINGTON – Taylor Anderson, associate in applied science, major in early care and education.
MARION COUNTY
MULLINS – Jeremy Odom, associate in applied science, major in diversified agriculture.
McCORMICK COUNTY
McCORMICK – Donna Renee Peace, associate in applied science, major in general technology, medical assisting concentration; *Zykeethia Kelvionna Freeman, associate in arts; Deontee M. Tinch, certificate in advanced welding; and Avreal Caresha Brown, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.
PARKSVILLE – *Cayla Joy Smith, associate in applied science, major in general technology, pharmacy technology concentration.
NEWBERRY COUNTY
NEWBERRY – Latasha Nicole Bates, associate in applied science, major in administrative office technology, medical concentration; Nigel Jamal Boyce, associate in applied science, major in general technology, digital rendering with advertising design concentration; Kinsley S. Dorroh, associate in applied science, major in business administration; Ebony Na’Shae Ellis, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Kanequia Tyera Gray, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Sandra Yuselmy Samayoa-Cifuentes, associate in applied science, major in business administration; and Tia Nicole Sims, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.
POMARIA – **Jessica Bouknight Bullard, associate in science.
PROSPERITY – Makeyda L. Bates, associate in applied science, major in business administration; Essence Unique Dominick, associate in applied science, major in nursing; *David Stanton Hester, associate in applied science, major in diversified agriculture; *Heather Nicole Shaw, diploma in applied science, major in surgical technology; and Stella Denise Williams, associate in applied science, major in human services.
SILVERSTREET – Shelbie Marie Johnson, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice.
WHITMIRE – Jena Faye Ray, diploma in applied science, major in pharmacy technician.
RICHLAND COUNTY
COLUMBIA – Latasha Chestnut, associate in arts.
SALUDA COUNTY
JOHNSTON – Melanie D. Mobley, associate in applied science, major in nursing.
LEESVILLE – Haleigh Elizabeth Herlong, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.
SALUDA – Haley Sue Bedenbaugh, associate in applied science, major in human services; *Alexis Madison Gunter, associate in applied science, major in diversified agriculture; Madison Elizabeth Guy, associate in arts; and *Courtney Elizabeth Wertz, associate in applied science, major in business administration, management concentration.
SPARTANBURG COUNTY
DUNCAN – Locoya Sherell Wilson, associate in applied science, major in nursing; and Kimberly Marie Okeh, associate in science.
SPARTANBURG – Tiffany Smith, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.
UNION COUNTY
BUFFALO – Chelsea Howard, associate in applied science, major in nursing.
LOCKHART – Kristin Bailey Lancaster, diploma in applied science, major in surgical technology.
UNION – Brittney Epps, associate in applied science, major in nursing.
OUT OF STATE
AUGUSTA, Ga. – Kwajalein Drayton, associate in applied science, major in nursing; Victoria Ann Ngozi Edwards, associate in applied science, major in nursing; and Te’Oushama Logan, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.
ELBERTON, Ga. – Barbara Christine Jarrell, associate in applied science, major in nursing.
GROVETOWN, Ga. – Heather Marie Smith, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.
***Summa Cum Laude-4.0 **Magna Cum Laude-3.75-3.99 *Cum Laude-3.5-3.74
PHOTOS:
• Ebony Ellis, student speaker for the afternoon commencement ceremony at PTC
• Tyler Billie, student speaker for the morning commencement ceremony at PTC
• Dr. Matthew Logan delivers his remarks.
• PTC graduates walk from the O’Dell Center to the Medford Center for their commencement exercise.
• Dr. Logan, PTC Area Commissioner Y.J. Ahn, and Ebony Ellis have a conversation as the ceremony ended.
Original source can be found here.
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