Respiratory Therapy graduates 23 from program

Hanceville, AL — Wallace State Community College’s Respiratory Therapy program held a pinning ceremony on May 8, recognizing 23 students successfully completing the program for the Class of 2024.

“This pinning ceremony marks the important transition from student to respiratory therapist,” said Program Director Ashley Lancaster. “This event provides an opportunity for us to recognize you and welcome you as our peers and colleagues in the respiratory therapy profession.”

Class president Madison Hamilton of Kimberly addressed those gathered at the ceremony, stating she is grateful for the relationships she’s made among her instructors and classmates and for her family’s support throughout her time in the program.

She encouraged her classmates to always remember their why.

“Why did you choose respiratory therapy? Who did you choose it to represent?” she said. “When new hills and challenges are in front of you, remember your why. Remember who encouraged you. Remember you can do hard things.”

Respiratory therapy instructor Jennifer Logan was chosen to address the class.

“I’m reminded of the profound impact each of you will have on the lives of others,” Logan said. “You’re about to become stewards of human health and well-being. As you embark on this journey, I encourage you to never lose sight of the human aspect of healthcare. Behind every diagnosis, every treatment and every chart is a person, someone’s parent, child, sibling or friend. Remember that your words and actions can have a profound impact on their lives.

“In the face of challenges and adversity, stay resilient and adaptable,” Logan added. “The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, and you will undoubtably encounter obstacles along the way, but with the perseverance and a commitment to lifelong learning, you will continue to grow and thrive in your career. Above all, I urge you to never underestimate the power of kindness and compassion. In moments of uncertainty and fear, a caring touch, a listening ear or a reassuring smile can make all the difference to those in need.”

Awards were presented to several students for their accomplishments.

Wesley Bryan of Albertville earned an induction into Lambda Beta, the National Honor Society for Respiratory Care.

Wallace State Respiratory Therapy Program Director Ashley Lancaster, left, presents Wesley Bryan of Albertville with a certificate marking his induction into Lambda Beta, the National Honor Society for Respiratory Care.

Class secretary Hannah Waldrop of Blountsville received the Program Award, which is reserved for the student who has excelled not only academically but has also embodied the core values of the profession: professionalism, respect and empathy.

Class secretary Hannah Waldrop of Blountsville, right, receives the Program Award from Wallace State Respiratory Therapy Program Director Ashley Lancaster.

Madison Hamilton received the Academic Excellence Award, which is presented to the student who has displayed unparalleled determination, resilience and a thirst of knowledge.

Class president Madison Hamilton of Kimberly, right, receives the Academic Excellence Award from Wallace State Respiratory Therapy Program Director Ashley Lancaster.

Morgan Gibson of Fort Payne received the Clinical Excellence Award, which is presented to the student who performs at a level well above satisfactory in clinical experiences.

Morgan Gibson of Fort Payne receives the Clinical Excellence Award from Wallace State Respiratory Therapy Program Director Ashley Lancaster.

Along with class president Hamilton and secretary Waldrop, other officers for the Class of 2024 include vice president Aileen M. McCracken of Arab, treasurer Kourtney D. Knight of Huntsville, and class representatives Kensley E. Johnson of Joppa and Destiny R. Smith of Birmingham.

Members of the graduating class include:

Albertville: Wesley Bryan

Arab: Aileen M.McCracken

Athens: Marissa D. Willis

Birmingham: Destiny R. Smith

Blountsville: Hannah E. Waldrop

Bremen: Abby G. Montgomery

Chelsea: Ashley M. Williamson

Cullman: Bailee P. Jones

Double Springs: Krissy C. Whisenant

Eva: Rebecca Cloer

Fort Payne: Morgan B. Gibson

Hanceville: Carter B. House

Harvest: Sandy L. Watkins

Huntsville: Kourtney D. Knight

Joppa: Kensley E. Johnson

Kimberly: Madison L. Hamilton, President

Muscle Shoals: Keauna Hiles, Enrique Martin-Miguel

New Hope: Karla L. Doran

Springville: Meagan J. Ewing

Sumiton: Kendra L. Hannah

Warrior: Dalton R. Duncan, Kaira McAdams

The Respiratory Therapy program and all other Health Science programs at Wallace State are currently accepting applications for Fall 2024 admission. The deadline to apply is May 15 for Nursing and June 1 for all other programs. Visit www.wallacestate.edu/health to get more information.

Registration for the summer and fall semesters is currently underway, with summer classes beginning May 22 and fall classes beginning Aug. 19. For more information visit www.wallacestate.edu, call Lion Central at 256.352.8236 or come by the Hanceville or Oneonta campus centers. Students may schedule advising sessions with the Center of Student Success at www.wallacestate.edu/advising.

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About Wallace State

Wallace State Community College (Ala.), a member of the Alabama Community College System, is a comprehensive community college in north central Alabama offering more than 200 options in academic, health and technical programs of study leading to an associate degree, certificate or transfer, as well as workforce-credit training and adult education. An Achieving the Dream Leader College, nationally-recognized by the Aspen Institute among the top institutions according to student outcomes, ranked by Southern Business and Development among the Top 3 institutions in the South for workforce development, named a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing and the National Security Administration, rated the Top Online Community College in Alabama, a Military Friendly Institution and an All-Steinway School, Wallace State is an outstanding place for students to pursue their education and career goals. Classes are offered online and on campus, day, evening and on weekends, with numerous start dates each year. Visit Wallace State’s beautiful main campus located on 300-acres in Hanceville, Ala., our satellite location in downtown Oneonta, Ala., find us online at www.wallacestate.edu, or call 256.352.8000.