STC Celebrates Graduates of Emergency Services Education

Courtesy of Southeastern Technical College

Southeastern Technical College (STC) proudly announces the graduation of its 2024 class from the Emergency Services Education Programs. Graduates were honored on December 12, 2024, in a ceremony held at the STC Economic Development Center in Vidalia.

Graduates were: • Karina Salazar of Je Davis County – Associate of Applied Science Degree in Paramedicine, Paramedicine Diploma, and Paramedicine Accelerated Technical Certificate of Credit • Ashley Akridge of Burke County – Paramedicine Diploma and Paramedicine Accelerated Technical Certificate of Credit • Destiny Elton of Lau rens County – Paramedicine Accelerated Technical Certificate of Credit • Morgan Dyal of Ap pling County – Paramedicine Accelerated Technical Certificate of Credit • Nick Lassiter of Lau rens County – Paramedicine Accelerated Technical Certificate of Credit • Nikolaus Stevens of Toombs County – Paramedicine Accelerated Technical Certificate of Credit • Alyssa Mosley of Toombs County – Paramedicine Accelerated Technical Certificate of Credit

• Antonio Villegas of Montgomery County Paramedicine Accelerated Technical Certificate of Credit Southeastern Tech’s program offerings include a comprehensive range of credentials tailored to meet diverse career goals within the emergency medical field. The STC Emergency Services Education Department prepares students for roles in the healthcare and public safety sectors.

Successful completion of these programs allows graduates to take the national registry of certification examinations.

As part of the graduation celebration, graduates were honored with challenge coins — a symbol of their commitment, hard work, and achievement. Challenge coins hold significance among emergency service professionals as tokens of dedicated bravery, integrity, and service — a tradition of camaraderie and milestones, a unity of a shared mission to save lives and provide care in time of need.

“These graduates emerge as resilient and skilled professionals ready to make a meaningful impact,' said Mike Young, Emergency Services Education Program Director. 'We are confident they will carry their professionalism, compassion, and expertise into the field and make a lasting difference in their communities.'

As Mr. Young called each graduate’s name, he shared ways in which each student contributed to the classroom setting. “They each have a story. I’ve seen and heard the challenges they faced attending paramedicine school while holding jobs and having families, but I’m so proud to have watched them develop and grow,” he said.

“To the graduates, I extend a heartfelt congratulations. You have demonstrated dedication and resilience in completing your training, and now you stand ready to face the National Registry with confidence and courage. I wish you the very best as you move forward into this vital and rewarding field, making a difference in the lives of others.”

The demand for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) professionals continues to grow, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. EMS professionals serve as the frontline responders in emergencies, providing essential medical care in critical moments.

For more information on the Emergency Services Education Programs offered at Southeastern Tech, visit www.southeasterntech. edu or call (912) 5383100 or (478) 289-2200.