SANFORD - More than 380 people are the most recent graduates of the Central Carolina Community College's Medical Programs, which held its graduation on Dec. 12 at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference Center.

The certificate areas include Cardiovascular Monitor Technician, Central Sterile Processing, Emergency Medical Services, Massage Therapy, Medical Billing and Coding, Nurse Aide I, Nurse Aide II, Paramedic, Pharmacy Technician, and Phlebotomy Technician.

Sarah Knight, a Nurse Aide I graduate, was among the student speakers. "As a small child, I was adopted into the best family I could ask for. ... I want to become a nurse because I have a great desire to help other individuals the way I was helped," she said. "Nursing is not always easy, there will be hard days that make you question whether or not this field is the right one, but the good days make nursing so enjoyable."

EMT graduate Richard O'Neal also was a student speaker. "Being a medic is not about the money, never will be. It's a higher calling that far outweighs a paycheck," he said. "A medic is one who performs acts of heroism, yet never calls themselves a hero." O'Neal said that being a part of public safety means being part of an exciting and rewarding family.

Donald Morrison, Nurse Aide I instructor in Harnett County, gave the invocation.

Welcoming remarks were by Lisa Baker, CCCC Dean of Health Sciences and Human Services.

Dr. Jon Matthews, CCCC Harnett County Provost, introduced the student speakers.

The presentation of students was by Toni Williams, CCCC Medical Program Coordinator in Chatham County.

CCCC President Dr. Lisa M. Chapman presented certificates and had closing remarks. "You all will be making the difference in people's lives every single day," Dr. Chapman told the graduates. "We say thank you for all you're going to do. We appreciate you. We're very, very proud of you. And we're excited to celebrate with you tonight."

Program Coordinators, who introduced their respective faculty members, are Toni Williams (Chatham County), Lennie Stephenson (Harnett County), Sandra Hurley (Lee County), and Susan Macklin (EMS Programs).

Following the graduation, class members met their families and friends in the Civic & Conference Center foyer for hugs and more picture taking.

To learn more about Central Carolina Community College and its programs, visit www.cccc.edu.