SANFORD - Pride in accomplishment and enthusiasm for the future filled the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center May 29 as students received their Continuing Education medical program graduation certificates from Central Carolina Community College.

More than 300 had completed Continuing Education medical program studies during the spring semester in the fields of Nurse Aide I and II, EKG Technician, Phlebotomy Technician, Pharmacy Technician, Central Sterile Processing Technician, and Sleep Disorder Technician. Approximately 200 took part in the graduation ceremony.

"I always wanted to be in nursing," said Mary Battle, the student graduation speaker from Lee County. She received her Nurse Aide I certificate. "At the age of 50, I decided to pursue what I wanted to do my whole life. During my internship at a nursing home, I realized that putting joy into a patient's life put joy into my life."

Student speaker Myrna McKoy-McNeil, of Harnett County, already had an associate degree in human services, but decided to earn an NA-I certificate "to help others."

"I'm so glad I didn't let birthdays stop me," said the 45-year-old graduate. "My future in the medical field is exciting. I am grateful to CCCC for helping me build the foundation for my dreams."

Student speaker Deanna Williams, of Chatham County, said she became interested in a nursing career as she took care of her mother during an extended illness.

"That gave me a reason to go back to school," she said. "I'm very excited about being a nurse aide and look forward to going to nursing school."

As the graduates' names were called, they walked across the stage to receive their certificates from college President Bud Marchant and a warm handshake or hug from the faculty members who had been there for them.

Each presentation was accompanied by cheers, applause and lots of picture taking by proud family and friends of the graduates.

The medical programs graduation was the last CCCC graduation for Dr. Lisa Chapman, the college's executive vice president of instruction. She is leaving the college to accept the position of senior vice president of programs and student services at the N.C. Community College System office in Raleigh.

"You embody what this college means to the community," she told the graduating class. "You are people who care and do something about it. We are so proud and thankful for you."

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

For many, like Bridgett Brooks, of Harnett County, the certificate they received was the beginning, not the end, of their dream for a career in the healthcare field.

"It doesn't stop here," Brooks said as she got a congratulatory hug from her husband, Eric, and sons Noah and Carter. Brooks already works as a dietary aide, but plans to transfer to the phlebotomy field with her certificate.

"I then plan to continue at CCCC and become a Certified Nursing Assistant and then move forward to a nursing degree," she said with a smile.

For more information about Continuing Education medical programs, call Lennie Stephenson, 910-814-8833 or email lstephenson@cccc.edu in Harnett County; Heike Johnson, 910-545-8682 or hjohnson@cccc.edu in Chatham County; or Joy McPhail, 919-777-7787 or jmcphail@cccc.edu in Lee County.