Trailblazers: RCC students graduate from first-ever Paramedic Academy
Randolph County’s first-ever Emergency Medical Services Paramedic Academy, a pioneering collaboration with Randolph Community College, marked a significant milestone with its inaugural graduation ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 22, in the JB and Claire Davis Corporate Training Center. The program, uniquely designed to deliver classroom instruction directly at Randolph County Emergency Services, featured current Randolph County paramedics as primary instructors. Nine dedicated students completed the rigorous training, celebrating their achievements in the JB and Claire Davis Corporate Training Center.
“This milestone perfectly aligns with RCC 2.0 — our commitment to being Relevant, Career-centered, and Committed to our community,” RCC President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan said. “This partnership underscores our dedication to serving and uplifting Randolph County. By equipping these graduates with the skills they need to excel in emergency services, we are not just preparing them for successful careers; we are enhancing the safety and well-being of our entire community. Randolph Community College is proud to stand alongside our partners in this vital mission, and we remain committed to making a meaningful impact through continued collaboration and service.”
The Paramedic Academy graduates surprised Randolph County Emergency Medical Services (RCEMS) Training Officer Sgt. Crystal Pate and RCEMS Education/Compliance Lt. Corey Lee with a gift at the end of the ceremony. Pictured, left to right, are Laurel Sartin, Lauren Cordial, Christian Gentry, Jana Billups, Nicole Chad, Dakota Carrigan, Pate, Lee, and Donald Walton. Not pictured are Dylan Furr and Kayla Jansen.
Darrell Frye, Chair of the Randolph County Commissioners, thanked the graduates on behalf of the commissioners and the citizens of Randolph County.
“First and foremost, I want to congratulate each of you on your remarkable achievement,” he said.
“Completing this rigorous course, as challenging as it was, is no small feat, and you have set a high standard for those who will follow. Secondly, I want to express my deepest gratitude. As a County Commissioner, I can say without hesitation that your work represents the most vital and critical part of our county services.
“The most important call anyone will ever make in this county is the one that reaches you — a call from a home, a parent, a spouse, someone in need of urgent help. Witnessing the success of this group gives me great confidence in the future classes that will come through this program. You have not only bettered yourselves but have also enhanced your earning potential and set a new benchmark.”
Dr. Jason Stopyra, Randolph County Emergency Medical Services Medical Director, was the graduation speaker. After congratulating the graduates, he focused on three words — privilege, excellent, and resiliency.
“You have a tremendous opportunity to spend time with people having their worst day,” he said. “They called because they’re lost, they’re scared, they’re hurt, they’re sick — maybe they’re dying. You’re there to help. That’s such a privilege. I want you to be excellent, not just for your patients. Please do it for yourself. You’ve got to take care of yourselves. It’s important to make sure that you come together and build good relationships so that you can lean on each other. If you don’t feel right, make sure you tell somebody. Get help.”
Graduate and class valedictorian Donald Walton was student speaker and started by thanking family, friends, and instructors for their support.
“I know I speak for everybody when I say this is one of the most stressful, yet rewarding, jobs,” he said. “After being in class for eight months and enduring personal challenges and mental challenges, I can say that we have become a very close, dysfunctional family. We all have something to be proud of. The bond we have formed during the class doesn't stop after graduation. Despite all the nerves and uncertainty we may have, we’re now the ones who make the tough decisions. I know we’ll prevail in those moments and become better providers because of this.”
Randolph Community College (RCC), under the leadership of President/CEO Dr. Shah Ardalan, is committed to providing relevant career training and educational opportunities. Affordable degrees and short-term certificate programs start throughout the year, both in person and online. For more information, call 336-633-0200 or visit www.randolph.edu and expect to engage with the most competent and compassionate team of faculty and staff.