LOCAL EDUCATION NEWS — Motlow College recently held graduation ceremonies for its two most recent EMS classes. Multiple paramedics were honored during a graduation ceremony for two separate classes of Motlow State Community College students on Aug. 17. Sixteen students completed the program in 2020 but were unable to have a ceremony at that time due to the pandemic.

Students celebrating graduation included 2021 graduates Matt Ahrens, Eli Beadle, Joseph Farley. Jonah Fettig, Chad James (Top Clinical Award recipient), Ruth Ann Johnson, Callie Minton (Leadership Award recipient), Nathan Piatt. John Rutledge (Top Academic Award recipient), Jefferey Schieber, Zack Torres, and Adam Young as well as 2020 graduates Will Farris. Tiara Greene (Top Clinical Award recipient), Derek Horton, Aaron Knapp, Curtis Lane, Derek Horton, Taylor Marshall, Nicole Petoskey, Randal Potts, Ryan Purdom, Jenny Reynolds, Bronson Slater (Top Academic Award recipient), Michael Turner, Fallon Washington, Ashley Whaley, and Greg Whaley.

“One of the classes we are celebrating has been working for the last year,” said Motlow’s Director of Emergency Medical Services Houston Austin. “Converting to online courses for this program was unheard of before COVID. Nothing has slowed them down.”

“I have a standard in EMS. Would each of these individuals be able to take care of my own daughter? That is the highest standard I can hold them to, and I would absolutely trust any of them with that task,” Austin added.

Finally, the graduates can appreciate what they have accomplished as they prepare for, and for some even continue, their careers as valuable, highly-competent paramedics, Motlow officials said. From the time they started the program to the time it was finished, they completed 1200 hours of class time and more than 7,200 hours of clinical time to achieve their goals.

“Paramedics encounter human beings at their lowest points. The life of a paramedic is not easy, but it is worth it,” encouraged Holder, adding “Be the type of paramedic you would like to work with.”

For more information about Motlow’s EMS programs, contact [email protected].•

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