Piedmont Technical College President Dr. Hope Rivers delivers remarks to graduates during the Aug. 7 commencement ceremonies.
Courtesy photo
NEWBERRY COUNTY — Piedmont Technical College graduates were urged by speakers to give back to their college and communities, take risks and seek joy during two commencement ceremonies on Aug. 7 at the James Medford Family Event Center in Greenwood.
“Today we celebrate not only your accomplishments but also the unique journey that has brought each of you here,” said PTC President Dr. Hope E. Rivers.
“As you step into the world as a graduate, remember that your relationship with Piedmont Tech does not end here. You are now part of a vast network of alumni who are making a difference in their communities,” Rivers said. “I encourage you to give back – not only to your college but to your community.”
Antonia Adams, a PTC alumna now attending the George Washington University Law School, spoke about overcoming grief and hardship after the deaths of her parents.
She also challenged graduates: “Take risks, be open to change and embrace every moment that life has to offer … And no matter what, keep pushing. Because the twists and turns that seem unimaginable and impossible are your perfect journey.”
Before receiving his paramedic certificate, George Boyd Jr. told graduates at the morning commencement that their future holds risks and rewards.
“We risk failure, awkwardness, embarrassment and rejection. But that is how we create the career opportunities, the great friendships and the loves that make this life worth living,” Boyd said.
Sterlin Hill Sr. offered inspiring words of encouragement to his fellow PTC graduates at the afternoon commencement.
“Remember, you’ve already proven you can persevere and see things through. You’ve handled the unknown, you’ve grown through struggle, and you are more than ready for what’s next,” Hill said. “So, I say to you, walk with confidence, stay curious and every now and then, take a moment to laugh, because joy is part of the journey, too.”
Below are the graduates from Newberry County:
• Kinards– Isabelle Lee Donahue, certificate in photography/certificate in advertising design.
• Little Mountain – **Zoie Marie Fulmer, associate in applied science, major in human services.
• Newberry – *Wilbur Saxon Bouknight, associate in applied science, major in criminal justice; Ethan Bright, associate in arts; Alan Espinoza, diploma in applied science, major in machine tool; **Johnny Espinoza Hernandez, certificate in advanced welding; ***Osmar Gonzalez Jeronimo, certificate in automotive fundamentals; Latavia Kadijah Harmon, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing; Marawan Ahmed Hassan, certificate in university studies; Mackenzie Cyan Houseal, associate in applied science, major in surgical technology; Jayla Anise Lindsay, associate in applied science, major in business administration/certificate in accounting; *Brianna N. Marzzarella, certificate in university studies; *Ethan Hunter Meetze, associate in applied science, major in mechatronics technology; Dylan Patrick Shannon, associate in applied science, major in general technology, digital rendering with advertising or photography concentration; **Oscar Sosa, certificate in automotive fundamentals; *Fred William Tucker, certificate in university studies; Iesha Latona Wheeler, certificate in university studies; and William Harold White, associate in applied science, major in business administration.
• Pomaria – Travis Lee Beard, associate in applied science, major in machine tool technology/diploma in applied science, major in machine tool; and Katlyn Lominack Ruff, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.
• Prosperity – Thomas W. Caldwell III, certificate in university studies; *Latoya Nicole Lindler, associate in applied science, major in surgical technology; and Payton Elizabeth Metts, diploma in applied science, major in practical nursing.
Note:
Piedmont Tech shares in the well-deserved pride our graduates feel in their accomplishments. Due to semester and course delivery changes during the 2025 summer semester, some courses and grades are still being finalized. For that reason, names of students who may not meet graduation requirements may be included. Conversely, names of students who will later meet those requirements after publication may be omitted. We regret any embarrassment or inconvenience these ongoing course completions may cause. An official list of all 2025 summer graduates will be maintained by the Student Records Office once all courses and grading have been completed.
***Summa Cum Laude-4.0 **Magna Cum Laude-3.75-3.99 *Cum Laude-3.5-3.74