Anderson Oconee Pickens

Best Rewards in Life Involve Changing People’s Lives and Saving Lives, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham Tells Tri-County’s Health Care Graduates

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 8/7/2006

CONTACT: JANELLE HICKS, 646-1724
(By Lisa Garrett)

PENDLETON --- he best rewards in life involve changing people’s lives and saving lives, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham said in his keynote address to a group of health care graduates of Tri-County Technical College’s Corporate & Community Education Division.

“You’ve got a heart for service,” he said to the graduates of the EKG Technician, Emergency Medical Technician, Medical Coding Specialist, Pharmacy Technician and Phlebotomy programs. 

“Today’s population is living longer and achieving a better quality of life, but that means nothing if you’re not a good person,” he added.  “Don’t forget how you got here, through the support of spouses and family members.  I’ve never met a self-made person.  My family made me what I am,” said the Central native, referring to his parents, who died when he was in college.  After asking for a showing of hands of first-generation college students, Senator Graham said, “Like many of you, I was the first in my family to go to college. 

“As you go through life, don’t forget the ones who mean the most to you.  We need good people in America, and that doesn’t come from a college degree but from the heart.”

          Following his address, instructors presented certificates to graduates in each of the following programs: 

EKG Technician:
Samantha Rennee Brown, of Fair Play; Jessica Dacus, of Pendleton; Monique Fant, of Seneca; Adam Tyler Floyd, of Clemson; Beverly Jan Lee, of Seneca; Ruth S. McKittrick, of Piedmont; Crystal R. Poole, of Seneca; Betty Joy Stewart, of Anderson; Jenny F. Stinnett, of Westminster; Jessica Webb, of Westminster; and Corinthia Williams, of Anderson.

EMT Basic Technician
Amanda Aderhold, of Anderson; Shannon Elaine Ashley, of Iva; Miriam S. Bratcher, of Anderson; Tabitha N. Braswell, of Central; Lisa Marie Byrd, of Westminster; Cathy Frances Collins, of Anderson; Leigh Ann Dawkins, of Anderson; Jennifer Lynn Dickson, of Anderson; Jeff D. Dover, of Mountain Rest; Sherry M. Eller, of Seneca; Richard Lee Gifford, of Westminster; Jared M. Hardy, of Salem; Glenda Rae Lyde, of Williamston; Ryan M. Mason, of Greenville; Deborah Ann McCall, of Walhalla; Billly McAlister, of Walhalla; Benjamin Daniel McKee, of Walhalla; William Neil Meredith, of Anderson; James Allen O’Kelley, of Salem; Brandi Nicole Schronce, of Williamston; Eric H. Sprinkle, of Seneca; Daniel D. Stewart, of Easley; Melinda Meriel Sorrells, of Westminster; Tracey L. Thomas, of Easley; Amy N. Welsh, of Iva; and Donna Jean Wheeler, of Seneca.

Medical Coding Specialist
Savannah J. Blackwell of Long Creek, Hilary B. Hall, of Clemson, Mary Ann Hunt, of Easley; Elizabeth Rita McCumber, of Anderson; Jhan C. Mullen, of Anderson; Ruth M. Oldfield, of Seneca; and Lisa Kay Pond, of Anderson.

Pharmacy Technician
Melinda Breedlove, of Pickens; Patsy Lynn Evans, of Easley; Lindsey B. Farr, of Anderson; Greta Lynn Fisher, of Honea Path, Catherine Gaffney, of Anderson; Angela Guadan, of Anderson; Michelle Lee Little, of Pickens, Yolanda M. Mark, of Anderson; Patrice Meeks, of Easley; Joyce Patterson, of Anderson; Lionel Urquitza of Walhalla; Jennifer J. Wilson of Easley; and Gina B. Yates. of Seneca.

Phlebotomy
Jodi L. Barck, of Seneca; Jessica Kala Bray, of Easley; Jennifer Jenkins Browne, of Townville; Brittany Lauren Bryant, of Anderson; Melody Paige Bryson, of Walhalla; Ginny Marie Chandler, of Seneca; Wanda Marie Crawford, of Walhalla; Kimberly Dawn Culbertson, of Belton; Sheree Michelle Davis, of Anderson; Mariella V. Diaz, of Anderson; Monique Fant, of Seneca; Claire J. Gelinas, of Central; Heather Gutierrez of Williamston; Katrina A. Holcombe, of Liberty; Sharon Nichole Hunter, of Seneca; Rhonda C. Jackson, of Walhalla; Jadd A. James, of Westminster; Rhonda L. James, of Easley; Candy Jones, of Belton. Emily Joy Kanagy, of Seneca; Edith O. Kozikowski,,of Westminster; Nancy Lloyd, of Clemson; Keegan E. Lynch, of Seneca; Cathy McAlister, of Anderson; Wanda Moore, of Pendleton; Erica Osborne, Anderson; Sonya Patterson, of Easley; Cindy B. Payne, of Honea Path; Sherry H. Phagan, of Anderson; Martha E. Powell, of Easley; Elizabeth A. Revis, of Piedmont; Carrianne R. Roche, of Westminster; Victoria A. Schaupp, of Central; Joyce B. Sheridan, of Anderson; Sihierh H. Smith, of Westminster; Gloria Snipes, of Honea Path, Judi Belle Stiwalt, of Anderson; and Jody M. Taylor, of Easley.