The Oswego County BOCES (OCB) Adult Education Department honored graduates of the Certified Medical Assistant program for their educational achievements at a commencement ceremony on Thursday, November 10.
Graduate Brittany Pickel was selected to speak on behalf of the students at the ceremony and talked about the importance of education, saying, “College isn’t for everyone, but everyone needs an education.” Pickel, like her five classmates, said that she came to OCB six months ago for a new beginning and now joins her classmates in celebrating the completion of the 730-hour program and their national certification through the National Association of Health Professionals.
Pickel was joined by other guest speakers at the ceremony including OCB Certified Medical Assistant alumnus Ann Sanford, OCB Deputy Superintendent Mark LaFountain and OCB Board of Education President John Shelmidine who commended the graduates on their perseverance and dedication to achieve their educational goals. He spoke about OCB’s commitment to lifelong learning and providing individuals with opportunities to expand horizons and realize full potential, and said to the audience, “They [the graduates] have risen to the challenge, and in that challenge have found opportunity.”
Certified Medical Assistant Instructor Shelly Spencer joined Director of Adult Education Paul Gugel to present graduates Holly Berry, Jeff Hopp, Ashlie Knopp, Ellen Landphere, Brittany Pickel, and Lisa Wall with commemorative pins and diplomas and led the group in confirming their completion of the program with the reciting of the traditional Medical Assisting Pledge.
Rounding out the ceremony was the recognition of class valedictorian, Jeff Hopp, and class salutatorian, Ellen Landphere. In addition, Hopp and Landphere were accepted into the National Technical Honor Society, America’s highest award for excellence in education.
The Certified Medical Assistant training program at OCB combines theory with hands-on learning experiences and is designed to exceed the standards for high-demand jobs as Certified Medical Assistants. For more information about this program or other opportunities catered to adult learners who have been displaced, are considering a career change and/or are interested in re-entering the workforce, contact the Adult Education Department at (315) 963-4256 or visit www.OswegoBOCES.org/AdultEd.
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