(Media release from Georgia Northwestern Technical College):
More than 300 Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) students crossed the stage of the Dalton Convention Center on Thursday, Dec. 14, to the cheers of their families, friends and instructors.
Dr. Heidi Popham, president of GNTC, welcomed guests, congratulated the graduates and introduced keynote speaker Allie Patnode, GNTC’s 2023 Outstanding Alumni of the Year.
Patnode began her career path at GNTC as a student, earning her associate degree in Health and a diploma in Dental Assisting; she joined the GNTC faculty in 2011 as an instructor of Dental Assisting. She subsequently served as program director and then associate dean of Health Technologies before becoming dean of Nursing and Health Technologies in 2021. Patnode was named GNTC’s Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year in 2015.
Patnode encouraged graduates to embrace the challenges they will face. “They are not roadblocks. They are stepping stones that have led you and will lead you to greater heights,” she said.
“Remember education is not only about acquiring knowledge,” Patnode said. “It is about using that knowledge to make a difference. It’s about becoming lifelong learners, leaders within your respective fields and contributors to the betterment of society.”
Stuart Phillips, vice president of Student Affairs at GNTC, recognized High Honor graduates with a 4.0 grade point average and Honor graduates with a 3.5 to 3.99 grade point average. Phillips also led a special recognition for graduates that are veterans, FBLA Collegiate members, SkillsUSA members, first-generation students and Student Government Association members.
Dr. Elizabeth Anderson, vice president of Academic Affairs at GNTC, presented the graduates, and Dr. Popham conferred the graduates with associate degrees, diplomas and certificates.
Susan Bowman, assistant dean and instructor of Health Information Management Technology at GNTC, administered the GNTC Alumni Association Oath.
The ceremony concluded with closing remarks by Dr. Popham in which she challenged the graduates not to let this graduation be the end of their educational journey.
Listed are graduates that are participating in the 2023 Fall Commencement Ceremony showing (from left) the graduate’s name and program of study. This list does not include students that have graduated, but did not participate in the ceremony, or students that registered for the ceremony after the commencement program was printed:
Associate of Applied Science degree
Adara Abdelrazzaq, Radiologic Technology
Jenna B. Abercrombie, Early Childhood Care and Education
Allison Nichole Adams, Vascular
Zitlali Aguilar Moreno, Criminal Justice Technology
Luke B. Allen, Automation Engineering Technology
Katherine G. Ambrocio Maldonado, Business Technology
Prasanka Indraj Holipitiya Arachchilage, Industrial Systems Technology
Courtney Avila, Business Healthcare Technology
Jacqueline Aviles Del Carmen, Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Tammy Rena Baggett, Business Management
Reyna Bahena, Business Management
Autumn H. Beaty, Business Management
Jacquelyn Michelle Beck, Medical Assisting
Mattie Caroline Blalock, Radiologic Technology
Saul Borunda-Valadez, Cybersecurity
Brooklyn Rochelle Bowen, Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Valerie Brown Boyd, Business Technology
Gina P. Brown, Business Technology
Paul J. Burress, Industrial Systems Technology
Brittany A. Burton, Business Management
Eber Calzada, Automotive Technology
Priscilla Camacho, Surgical Technology
Rio J. Cameron, Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Leah Carrie Campbell, Radiologic Technology
Mary D. Carlson, Business Management
Mandy Allison Conner, Business Management
Ethron Carl Crawford, Technical Studies
Haila B. Crile, Radiologic Technology
Amanda N. Crowder, Computer Support Specialist
Juan C. Cruz-Hernandez, Instrumentation and Controls Technician
Ashley N. Daum, Medical Assisting
Lisa DeLoach, Criminal Justice Technology
Sarah Abbigale Denson, Business Management
Jovany Gabriel Diaz, Precision Machining and Manufacturing
Tavis Tirrell Dixon, Industrial Systems Technology
Chasidy Dodd, Business Management
Robert Braxton Dodd, Industrial Systems Technology
Sarai S. Eubanks, Culinary Arts
Emily Claire Fincher, Surgical Technology
Adriana Abigael Flores, Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Stephanie Rena Fountain, Criminal Justice Technology
Jazmine Noemi Garcia Delgado, Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Allyson G. Gaston, Vascular
Carrie Marie Gloyd, Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Richard E. Gravitt, Criminal Justice Technology
Fleur Jacqueline Kathy Green, Business Management
Kayla B. Greenway, Adult Echocardiography
Selina-Kyle Morgan Gritman, Radiologic Technology
Stephanie Danielle Hammond, Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Halie Hemmerling, Health Care Management
Gabriel Monique Hemphill, Vascular
Andrew L. Henson, Business Management
Lisbeth Hernandez, Radiologic Technology
Mary Joyce Hightower, Business Management
Nakiah Hilton, Business Management
Megan Holcomb, Business Management
Joseph T. Holmes, Precision Machining and Manufacturing
Matthew Ryan Hoover, Aviation Maintenance Technology
Morgan Howard, Radiologic Technology
Kristen Nichole Hudson, Radiologic Technology
Susana Huerta, Business Management
Tania Huerta, Business Management
Jaylen Ruth Hulsey, Vascular
Claudine Iskander, Cybersecurity
Dalton Chase Jackson, Radiologic Technology
Michael Levi Jarvis, Networking Specialist
Ja-Juanna L. Johnson, Culinary Arts
Rebeca Jones, Radiologic Technology
Shanique D. King, Surgical Technology
Destiny Nicole Langley, Business Management
Megan Brooke Lawrence, Radiologic Technology
Savannah Ashley Lawson, Medical Assisting
Maryann Ledbetter, Radiologic Technology
Jordan Wayne Lindsey, Aviation Maintenance Technology
Jessica L. Lyon, Business Management
Breana Zhunta Mack, Health Care Management
Emily Mckenzie Karsen Maddox, Accounting
Caitlin Mahoney, Vascular
Ethan Albert Martin, Industrial Systems Technology
Oscar J. Martinez, Applied Technical Management
Jasmin Martinez-Soto, Surgical Technology
Rebecca Maynor, Business Management
Blanche Taylor McCluskey, Health Care Management
Maria Guadalupe Melendrez, Accounting
Osvaldo Mendiola-Aguilar, Construction Management
Jerry Morillon-Vanegas, Radiologic Technology
Leanna N. Mulkey, Early Childhood Care and Education
Sean E. Mullins, Business Management
Kyle Anthony Muse, Industrial Systems Technology
Starr Elizabeth Nold, Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Joscelyn Grace Norton, Business Technology
Natalie Olivier, Surgical Technology
Samuel A. Omotosho, Automation Engineering Technology
Nicole Pacheco, Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Stefanee Skipper Page, Business Management
Anthony Palacios, Construction Management
David Palacios, Industrial Systems Technology
Justin Anthony Parascando, Vascular
Amie J. Patterson, Early Childhood Care and Education
Candice R. Payne, Health Information Management Technology
Elisabeth Haley Perkins, Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Zoe Peterson, Health Care Management
Brittany R. Plott, Early Childhood Care and Education
Kendra Shea Polley, Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Gary D. Pruitt Jr., Business Management
Bradley Denver Putnam, Culinary Arts
Kaitlynn L. Queen, Social Work Assistant
Yasmin Ramirez, Health Care Management
Alberto Jose Ramos Fernandez, Aviation Maintenance Technology
Madison G. Raymer, Early Childhood Care and Education
Nallely Stephanie Reyes, Business Management
Tocarra Rico, Health Information Management Technology
Jonathan S. Rios, Business Management
Lacey R. Rivas, Business Healthcare Technology
Megan Delaney Roach, Business Management
Adelia N. Robinson, Accounting
Sara A. Robinson, Radiologic Technology
Jessica A. Rodriguez, Business Technology
Carlos Rustrian, Industrial Systems Technology
Ashley Nichole Schleicher, Radiologic Technology
Ashlyn Schlicht, Criminal Justice Technology
Zachary D. Seals, Accounting
Hunter Shepherd, Cybersecurity
Adrienne Noel Shular, Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Cheryl Elaine Simpson-Upmeyer, Vascular
Karlie Dianne Sims, Business Management
Shannon Sipsy, Industrial Systems Technology
Hilary Brooke Smith, Business Healthcare Technology
Cenaida Sosa, Business Management
Heather N. Spraggins, Radiologic Technology
Robert Kaen Stark, Aviation Maintenance Technology
Destinee Hope Swift, Medical Assisting
Cara M. Swindall, Radiologic Technology
Chloe Alexis Taylor, Business Management
Brianna R. Teem, Social Work Assistant
Caleb Jordan Terrill, Aviation Maintenance Technology
Leslie E. Trego, Vascular
Jesus Trejo, Automotive Technology
Shawn Alexander Wadford, Accounting
Indya Alise Webb, Adult Echocardiography
Sigmund D. White, Marketing Management
Samantha Yvonne Wiggins, Culinary Arts
Kewanda Williams, Health Information Management Technology
Jade Alexandria Willis-Cruz, Business Management
Nicholas Kyle Wooldridge, Technical Studies
Brittany Nicole Wright, Medical Assisting
Rosalinda Zapata Aguilar, Vascular
Diploma
Krystal Akerley, Auto Collision Repair
Savannah Almond, Diesel Equipment Technology
Luisa Maria Almonte Deleon, Medical Assisting
Rosalyn D. Andrews, Business Management
Jacey LeeAnn Baker, Cosmetology
Joan Barrientos, Accounting
Elijah Bentley, Horticulture
Crystal Bevel, Cosmetology
Elgar Ariel Bonilla, Welding and Joining Technology
Patrick Logan Brooks, Welding and Joining Technology
Cassandra Joy Brown, Cosmetology
Corey Mason Brown, Air Conditioning Technology
Timothy B. Caldwell Jr., Aviation Maintenance Technology
Amanda Morgan Casey, Culinary Arts
Nilsa Cristina Castillo, Business Technology
Ivan Ceja, Welding and Joining Technology
Bianca Lucero Cervantes, Cosmetology
Josue Chacon Alvarez, Automotive Technology
Kristi Cottrell, Practical Nursing
Stephanie M. Davis, Practical Nursing
Joel Michael Dobbins, Air Conditioning Technology
Shanna Dupree, Medical Assisting
Omar Escutia Chavez, Air Conditioning Technology
Cleta Marie Farrow, Horticulture
Kennesha Lorraine Frazier, Medical Assisting
Tennesha Lorene Frazier, Medical Assisting
Alexis M. Garmon, Medical Assisting
Raeven M. Gee, Business Technology
Brodie Cole Goforth, Welding and Joining Technology
Serenity Lashea Green, Dental Assisting
Abigail Gulledge, Cosmetology
Allison Renee Hall, Culinary Arts
Cassidy M. Hicks, Auto Collision Repair
Baleigh Jade Hill, Medical Assisting
Samantha Holliefield, Surgical Technology
Caleb Alexander Hooker, Culinary Arts
Gavin Taylor House, Welding and Joining Technology
Jordan Howard, Medical Assisting
Alondra Janet Huerta, Medical Assisting
Sterling Kai Johnson, Welding and Joining Technology
Breleigh Jones, Human Lactation
Lisbeth Juarez Reano, Medical Assisting
Kayla Rose Kline, Dental Assisting
Monica Layne, Early Childhood Care and Education
Anna Elizabeth Lewis, Cosmetology
Erin H. Lowery, Surgical Technology
Paola Lisbeth Mascote, Surgical Technology
Chloe Alexus McBee, Cosmetology
Katlin McCrary, Medical Assisting
Erica Keiser McGowan, Surgical Technology
Stephen Lane Mears, CNC Technology
Jose Mendez, Automotive Technology
Kevin Mendez, Electrical Systems Technology
Kailey Autumn Miller, Cosmetology
Rylee Marie Paradiso, Surgical Technology
Nathan Ryan Patty, Air Conditioning Technology
Joshua Shane Pellom, Welding and Joining Technology
Sebastian Pedro Plata, Welding and Joining Technology
Wren Micardy Polick, Welding and Joining Technology
Thomas Ramirez, Welding and Joining Technology
Calli Shye Rickman, Surgical Technology
Guadalupe de Jesus Rivera, Welding and Joining Technology
Kelsey Mechelle Roberts, Medical Assisting
Shondell A. Robinson, Surgical Technology
Stephanie Rodriguez, Medical Assisting
Aida Magnolia Romero Salazar, Early Childhood Care and Education
Katherine A. Rosas, Cosmetology
Gabriela Mishel Salam, Medical Assisting
Alfredo Kaleb Sanchez Lugo, Welding and Joining Technology
Nancy Segura Barrientos, Medical Assisting
Kathy Darlene Shields, Business Technology
Jonathan M. Shook, Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Audrey Faith Smith, Cosmetology
Jorden Nathan Smith, Welding and Joining Technology
Kayla A. Suttles, EMS Professions
Fleicity Shyann Thompson, Medical Assisting
Cristian Rocendo Tirador Cervantes, Diesel Equipment Technology
De’Monica Underwood, Human Lactation
Christopher Valdez, Welding and Joining Technology
Hannah VanFossen, Culinary Arts
Andrea Velazquez, Medical Assisting
Kala Venteicher, Marketing Management
Makenzie Ward, Cosmetology
Daisy White, EMS Professions
Zarriah S. Wofford, Culinary Arts
Taylor Ann Youngblood, Medical Assisting
Technical Certificate of Credit
Jameiya Shamora Adams, Clinical Office Assistant
Andrea Aguiluz, Central Sterile Supply Processing Technician
Leticia Andres-Martin, Cosmetology for Licensure
Candice Austin, Clinical Office Assistant
Jennifer Ayala, Cosmetology for Licensure
Anna Frances Black, Cosmetology for Licensure
Daniel S. Blocker, Diesel Engine Service Technician
Lauryn Brock, Clinical Office Assistant
Melissa Marie Chacon, Healthcare Billing and Coding Specialist
Elizabeth Chupp, Early Childhood Care and Education Basics
Mieko M. Cleveland, Medical Coding
Tiffany Linda Kay Cline, Clinical Office Assistant
Arianna Cruz, Clinical Office Assistant
Isjah M. Davis, Cosmetology for Licensure
Michael Wayne Dinkins III, Microsoft Network Administrator
Jahira Espino, Cosmetology for Licensure
Kareah Evans, Hair Designer
Hope Ezell, Clinical Office Assistant
Amber Lynn Farmer, Early Childhood Care and Education Basics
Jasmine Flores, Phlebotomy Technician
Leslie Floyd, Clinical Office Assistant
Chrisi Frazier, Accelerated Phlebotomy Technician
Emma K. Funderburk, Cosmetology for Licensure
Tamara Roshell Garrett, Clinical Office Assistant
Estephany Gomez, Cosmetology for Licensure
Emy Ninet Gomez-Vasquez, Phlebotomy Technician
Katherine Sulema Gonzalez Lopez, Human Resource Management Specialist
Shi’esha Graham, Administrative Support Assistant
Trevor Hendrix, CNC Specialist
Savannah Marie Howington, Basic Mechatronics Specialist
Amber Jones, Clinical Office Assistant
Jennifer Carruth Jones, Cosmetology for Licensure
Nevaeh King, Early Childhood Care and Education Basics
Makensie Leachman, Clinical Office Assistant
Chasity Lindsey, Clinical Office Assistant
Angel Martinez, Automotive Engine Repair Technician
Leticia Martinez, Clinical Office Assistant
Darla Mata, Clinical Office Assistant
Jahterriya McCluskey, Cosmetology for Licensure
Madison McCommon, Accelerated Phlebotomy Technician
Hannah McCoy, Clinical Office Assistant
Daisy Mendez, Healthcare Billing and Coding Specialist
Gisselle Mendoza, Phlebotomy Technician
Melissa A. Miranda, Cosmetology for Licensure
Baleria Morales, Human Resource Management Specialist
Samantha Nguyen, Cosmetology for Licensure
Marisela Nunez-Cruz, Cosmetology for Licensure
Justen Orr, Cosmetology for Licensure
Stacey Pelfrey, Clinical Office Assistant
Tiffany Peters, Early Childhood Care and Education Basics
Mary M. Petty, Cosmetology for Licensure
Montana Petty, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician
Lexi Pierce, Clinical Office Assistant
Albiona Lora Prenku, Advanced Emergency Medical Technician
Taliyah Printup, Cosmetology for Licensure
Michelle Ramirez-Mendoza, Cosmetology for Licensure
Haillie Randolph, Cosmetology for Licensure
Bailey Marie Rhodes, Cosmetology for Licensure
Selena I. Rodriguez, Cosmetology for Licensure
Jennifer Rubio, Cosmetology for Licensure
Melody Sadler, Clinical Office Assistant
Wilburn Salaices Jr., Commercial Truck Driving – Class A
Wilburn M. Salaices Sr., Commercial Truck Driving – Class A
Daniela M. Sanchez-Wyatt, Clinical Office Assistant
Haileigh Jane Sealock, Cosmetology for Licensure
Sierra Maryn Skinner, Cosmetology for Licensure
Nicolette S. Smith, Accelerated Phlebotomy Technician
Sophie K. Smith, Cosmetology for Licensure
Wendell Frederick Smith III, Computer Forensics and Security Specialist
Ashlyn Starkey, Cosmetology for Licensure
Gretchen Stephens, Cosmetology for Licensure
Zachary Templeton, Advanced Shielded Metal Arc Welder
Jamie Michelle Tudor, Phlebotomy Technician
Danielle Dior Watkins, Cosmetology for Licensure
Adrea Beth Watson, Cosmetology for Licensure
William Whitton, Aviation Maintenance Technician
Caleb Williams, Clinical Office Assistant
Samantha Womack, Accelerated Phlebotomy Technician
Amanda Wright, Early Childhood Care and Education Basics
Danna Brittany Wright, Phlebotomy Technician