Special to IFN

Mitchell Community College honored 14 Medical Assisting graduates during a Pinning Ceremony held on Thursday, May 22, on its Statesville campus. The event marked a significant milestone for students entering the healthcare field, celebrating their dedication, compassion, and academic achievements.

The ceremony opened with an invocation by Melissa Haines, director of operations at Piedmont HealthCare and adjunct instructor at Mitchell Community College. Linda Wiersch, dean of Health Sciences and Wellness, followed with a warm introduction, setting the tone for the evening.

Tim Brewer, president of Mitchell Community College, extended a heartfelt welcome to graduates, families, and guests.

“I congratulate you on choosing a career path that will take you great places,” Brewer told the graduates. “For some of you, this may be a stepping stone to further education or a launchpad into the workforce. Whatever your next step, you’ve chosen a path that deserves recognition.”

The keynote address was delivered by Jeff Taylor, director of Operations and Human Resources at Piedmont HealthCare.

“These students, when they come out of the 200 hours of classroom and lab, and 200 hours as an externship in offices, they are well prepared,” said Taylor, who also teaches at the college. “You’re going to have a rewarding and very successful career in healthcare.”

Piedmont HealthCare CEO Jeff Smith also congratulated the graduates.

“This moment is a testament to your hard work, persistence, and unwavering dedication to a noble profession that is dedicated to healing and caring for others,” he Smith. “The path you’ve taken is not an easy one. It required discipline, resilience, and unshakable commitment to service. You faced challenging coursework, demanding hours, and personal sacrifices – and through all that, you stood tall. That perseverance has prepared you to step confidently into the vital roles you will soon fill.”

“As medical assistants, you are the heartbeats of medical teams,” he added.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of pins by Laura Russell, program chair of Medical Assisting, and Krista Pearson, adjunct faculty. Russell also offered closing comments, reflecting on the graduates’ journey and the values of the medical assisting profession.

2025 Medical Assisting Graduates

• Elizabeth Castaneda
• John Crisp
• Deanna Cunningham
• Sherlyn Estrada
• Elizabeth Guido
• Josselyn Fuentes Martinez
• Zoey Hedrick
• Bryanna Moss
• Olivia Murdock
• Nicole Nicholson
• Yesenia Ramirez-Ovando
• Malaysia Scott
• Samantha Sickles
• Davian Summers

The ceremony concluded with the recitation of the Medical Assisting Creed, affirming the graduates’ commitment to ethical practice, patient care, and professional integrity.

LEARN MORE

Learn more about Mitchell’s Medical Assisting program at mitchellcc.edu/medical-assisting.

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