Chattahoochee Tech Graduate from Paulding County Prepares for the Next Step in Life

Chattahoochee Technical College honored 546 students from the state’s largest technical college during a commencement ceremony held Thursday, Dec. 14, at the Clarence Brown Conference Center in Cartersville. Representing students from the fall semester, 197 graduates from the college’s six-county service area walked across the stage to receive a technical certificate of credit, diploma or an Associate of Applied Science degree.
As they gathered in preparation for the graduation ceremony, students were eager to share information about their plans for the future as well as express gratitude for their positive educational experience at Chattahoochee Tech.
From Paulding County, Amanda Campbell graduated with an associate degree in Design and Media Production Technology. “My Mom actually graduated from here in Cosmetology, and my sister is here for Medical Assisting,” said Campbell. “I’m the youngest, and I was here in dual enrollment in high school. I went to South Paulding High School.”
The most popular area of study for graduates was Health Sciences. This was followed by programs in the area of business, including Accounting, Business Technology, Business Management, Marketing Management and programs in the field of public and professional services, including Cosmetology, Criminal Justice Technology and Early Childhood Care and Education.
There were 18 students who graduated with certificates, diplomas and degrees toward nontraditional careers. A nontraditional career is any occupation in which women or men make up 25 percent or less of the total employment. For males, the programs included Physical Therapist Assistant, Radiography Technology, and Accounting; for females, this included programs such as CIST Cybersecurity, Criminal Justice Technology, Design and Media Production Technology, Computer Programming and Drafting Technology. Students in attendance wore green honor cords in recognition of their completion of such programs. In addition, 28 students completed an Associate of Applied Science or diploma program with a 4.0 cumulative grade point average and those in attendance wore gold honor cords to signify their accomplishment. Also participating in the graduation ceremony were nine students who are U.S. veterans.
During the graduation ceremony, Chattahoochee Technical College President Dr. Ron Newcomb commended all of the graduating students for their perseverance. “Each of you has a personal story that is captivating,” said Dr. Newcomb. “The common thread in each of your stories is your perseverance – your personal decision and your personal commitment that you’re going to do this.”
“You’ve balanced many things along the way,” said Dr. Newcomb. “Many of you have jobs and many of you have families. Among you candidates for graduation, I know that a great many of you are parents yourselves.”
Dr. Newcomb then asked that the graduating students who are parents to stand for special recognition from all those in attendance at the graduation ceremony. “They persevered for their lives and for their families’ lives and their future, and I really respect that,” said Dr. Newcomb.Delivering the commencement address at the Chattahoochee Tech graduation ceremony was Katherine Hamilton, the college’s 2017 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) winner. Hamilton, who graduated with an associate degree in the Physical Therapist Assistant program, reiterated the importance of perseverance for achieving success.
“So many of you have faced difficulties in your life, and your incredible perseverance has brought you down a path to this moment,” said Hamilton, who thanked her teachers and classmates for their ongoing encouragement.
“You have all worked hard and earned the opportunity to savor this moment,” said Hamilton. “So take a moment to look up and enjoy the view. Congratulations, Class of 2017.” For more information, visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu.

About Chattahoochee Technical College:
A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia, Chattahoochee Technical College is the largest technical college in the state with more than 14,000 students enrolled in the past academic year. The college has eight campus locations serving the counties of Bartow, Cherokee, Cobb, Gilmer, Paulding, and Pickens. CTC provides a high quality, easily accessible college education at a fraction of the cost of other area colleges and universities. Chattahoochee Technical College awards more than 70 certificates, diplomas and associate degrees in 45 programs of study through traditional classroom courses as well as online training. The college also provides the community with learning opportunities, including customized workforce training, adult literacy and continuing education programs. For more information, visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu.