More than 100 students crossed the Owens Auditorium stage at Sandhills Community College on Friday, June 20, to receive their diplomas, licenses, or certifications in high-demand careers that will fuel economic sustainability for the region and the state.
The processional was led by Bill Caudill and the Southern Pines Fire Department, and the invocation was offered by Michelle Bauer Vice Provost. Dr. Alexander “Sandy” Stewart President presided over the ceremony and awarded the certifications, licenses and diploma. Jason Levister, Director of College and Career Readiness, presented the candidates for their deserving honors.
“Your accomplishments today are about your effort and investment of hard work,” said President Stewart. “The state tracks return on investment based on various metrics for colleges, including affordability, access and outcomes, and within 10 years Duke has a 245% return and SCC has a 336% return, so I think you all have invested very wisely in your futures. Not only will your lives be impacted by your education but so will your families and our community. You will make this a better place to live for everyone by offering your talent and training to directly impact lives.”
Student keynote speaker was Jordan Parraway, a dual graduate of 2025 High School Equivalency (HSE) and Medical Billing and Coding, Dual Award Recipient of the NAEHS and Commitment to Excellence in Coding. Her journey has been marked by resilience, commitment and excellence. She has been inducted as an honorary member of the National Adult Education Honor Society-an honor bestowed upon adult learners who demonstrate outstanding academic success, dependability, perseverance, and a positive attitude toward learning. As a graduate in the Medical Billing and Coding program, she has been named the recipient of the Commitment to Excellence in Coding award. This recognition honors her unwavering dedication, precision, and professionalism, qualities that set her apart as someone truly prepared to make a lasting impact in the healthcare field.
“Sandhills and its staff has taught me to never give up no matter the odds stacked against you,” said Parraway. “I had a tough upbringing and struggled with mental illness and have had two children while fighting to earn my high school diploma and set my future course to work in the mental health field. Finding the right people and the right resources, while having faith and perseverance to see this through, has made all the difference in my life. I can’t wait to continue my work to earn an associate degree; another next step toward my career.”
Jordan Parraway reads her speech during the commencement.
She aspires to become a social psychologist and behavioral health therapist, goals that reflect her passion for supporting others and understanding the human experience. She shared her inspiring story and spoke to the power of community, how it has shaped her journey and helped her rise to meet each challenge.
College and Career Readiness Graduates
High School Equivalency
Maria Arjona, Roger Baires Miranda, Jayden Bell*, Sara Carlson, Luis Castro, Kailynn Cochran, Ava Fields, Glory Griffes, Jeremy Hilliard, Amanda Ingram*, Christian Jones, Samuel Lear, Tonya Lee, Arieonna Locklear*, Ofelia Lopez*, Danely Maldonado, Paloma Mazzei*, Hailey Mills, Arlin Mikell-Price, Cody Myrick, Jordan Parraway*, Kelvonda Pate*, Herlinda Patterson*, Justin Phillippi, Alex Presnell, Jackelyn Ramirez Alejandro, Montrell Sawyer, Elijah Silvernail*, Sanura Smith-Willis, Samantha Tidwell, Summer Tyler, Mila Veiga, Joshua Wallace, Tieondre White, Jacob Wright, Daniel Yount
Automotive and Transportation
CDL Truck Driver Training
Kiana Cherry, Joshua Covington, Andrew Delatorre, Michael Enright, Jamie Farris, Brittany Gaddy, Freddy Guardado Jr., Amber Mann, Alex Mason Jr., Bradley Mauldin, Kimberly McKinney, Joseph Promutico
Business
Real Estate Pre-Licensing
Angela Braaten, Darryn Burich, Thomas Deese, Sophia Haynes, Russell Isaac, Jeremy Tompkins, LeeAnne Vaughan
Construction and Trades
Electrical Level I
Gideon Alvarez, Taylor Barnard, Jackson Chestnut, Austin Harrison, Hunter Leadman,
Matthew Locklear, Fredy Loza Cornejo, Caleb Norwood, Cristian Oldham, Douglas Thomas,
Kenneth Thompson, Elijah Walker
Electrical Level II
Julio De la Cuesta Decavi, Jennifer Deloya, Joshua Dew, Cesar Esparza, Ramiro Gonzalez, James Greaves, Santana Hernandez Cervantes, Jason Laska, John Marsh, Amari McKinnon, Raequan Patterson, Joseph Romero, Trevor Womack
HVAC Level 1
Brenen Acosta Troches, Evan Biggs, Noah Dorsey, John Hernandez, Izaiah King, Davensky Maxinvil, William McIntosh, Anthony McLeod, Boyd Miller, Cory Rogers, Devin Rogers, Malachi Teague, Mick Tercheria, Jesus Tolentino-Nill
HVAC Level II
Shavar Boggan, Stephone Covington, Steven Doust, Chad Driggers, Michael Gainey, William Hobbs, Tia Jones, Chedre McDaniel, Jr., Sephen Restituyo, Ashton Walden, Caden Ward
Plumbing Level II
Murph Barnes, Andrew Delatorre, Harrison Hafer, Noah Lehmann, Jonathan Muse
Welding Level 1
Mattesyne Berkley, Evan Camp, Jacob Jeziorowski, Joshua Michaux, Evan Reaves, Ayden San Miguel, Logan Vanett, Adrian Wright
Welding Level II
Baylie Borja, Ladarius Graham, John Kramer, Joseph Montanez, Adin Shaw, Cown Thompson, Noah Trueblood
Healthcare
Central Sterile Processing
Crystal Allen, Latique Bennett, Sophia Bennett, Sharonda Cobb, Laiden Edwards, Tyleisha Gainey, Mandisa Harrington, Addison Johnson, Diana Locklear, Tracy Long, Tremesa Lyles, Tamia McLean, Lynzee Radakovich, Joquia Rodriguez, Janelle Thompson, Melinda Wall, Khadija White
Certified Medical Administrative Assistant
Lynne Barton, Emily Coombe, Jasmine Douglas, Constance Durham, Diamond Gilbert, Lauren Kinlaw, Donisha McNeill, Natasha Pratt-Smith, Destiny Ray, Buchellia Ross, Mallorie Sherrod, Charee Stanley, Adynastie Taylor
EKG Technician
Samantha Black, Elenda Calcutt, Alicia Dyle, Cassandra Engle, Gabrielle Garcia, Kayla Goines, Evey Goldstein, Lynda Goldstein, Alaysha Hernandez, Anjoli Holbert, Melissa Johnson, Kayla Jones, Joseh Joyner, Hallie Lech, Carolina Oakleym Kelsey Parkerm Shellie Parkmanm Diamond Quickm Towana Rogers, Qun Tang, Erin Thomas, Avril Tillman, Demetria Watkins, Shanta Watkins, Chelsea Watkins, Amber Zirkle, Jennifer Zirkle
Electronic Healthcare Records
Devan Adams, Latoya Billings, Maria Luna-Luna, Marilyn Pearson, Natasha Pratt-Smith, Shahidah Stanback
Medication Aide
Amera Attia, Jimara Carter, Shaquan Coachman, Amber Ferree, Alexis Lowery,
Katrina McLean, Anna Pettitt, Montashia Smith, Stephanie Singer
Medical Assisting
Shalonda Campbell, Brianna England, Monica Jones, Nallely Marquez Bello,
Zymana Monroe, Brittney Peacock, Darlina Rodriguez-Zendejas, Allia Williams
Medical Billing and Coding
Jameelah Anderson, Bridget Baldwin, Sheila Brooks, Krystal Cornish, Rhiannon Dedrick-Webster, Jobeth Doty, Samantha Edge, Maurita Graham, Linette Kemske, Sholonda Lloyd, Shannon Luna, Tonya McMilliam, Courtney Miller, Brittnie Morris, Jordan Parraway*, Crystal Porter, Aleshia Rader, Heidi Ramos, Tamika Reese, Terry Reynolds, Ka’shera Robertson, Tera Senior, Crystal Thrailkill, Hailie Williams, Tennille Williams
Nurse Aide Level I
Jillian Albritton, Madysin Belton, Taylor Bennett, Haley Bodsford, Tamia Brown, Kadence Burkett, Stephanie Burrell, Jennifer Bryd, Victoria Cameron, Alaiya Covington, Armani Davenport, Meagan Dixon, Kimberly Dunn, Heather Fera, Maria Gonzalez-Alej,o Gracie Grainger, Devin Jenkins, Heavenly Johnson, Andrea Jones, Lakeshia Kearns, Alyssa Kern, Alayna Lanoue, Joshua Larsen, Karen Lilly, Sequoyah Little, Brennen Maddalena, Walker Martin, Maria Martinez Carrion, Valerie Matheny, Jemma McElhaney, Donnetta Monroe, Magaly Santos-Eulogio, Madison Silkwood, John Sims, Shakiya Nicholson-Worth, Cortney Scott, Kassandra Soliz, Tyler Thompson, Pedro Torres, Isis Tynes, Kashtean Valera, Madelyn Weldy, Haley Willard
Pharmacy Technician
Jamila Abdulrahman, Isaiah Bragg, Alexis MacDonald, Destiny Whitted
Phlebotomy Technician
Tierra Adams*, Shaniya Amy, Lakicha Bratcher, Sandra Burrell, Alexia Carswell, Tonya Chavis, William David, Mariah Feria, Stacie Guveara, Abisola Harris, Amaydani Hernandez, Abigail Jones, Jacqueline Lancaster, Kimberly Leake, Tatyana Little, Alyssa McCray, Angela McLean, Amber Reynolds, Shayla Robinson, Catherine Welker
Information Technology
CompTIA Network+
Bianca Cutler, Sha’londi Galberth, Meagan McNair, Aurelio Medina, Matthew Naumchik,
Brady Pratte, Joseph Simutis, Otchara Thepdoo, Apryl Thomas
Public Safety
Fire Academy
Leonardo Cos, Jody Dunlap*, Peyton Garner, Alek Jackson*, Cade McLaughlin, Nathan Upchurch
Special Awards, recognitions and scholarships were presented and noted with an asterisk (*) including:
National Adult Education Honor Society (NAEHS) – established to recognize and celebrate the achievements of exceptional adult education students.
The Sam and Hazel Petty Scholarship – established in 2011 by Mrs. Fredricka Proveaux, this scholarship honors the memory of her mother, Hazel C. Petty, and her brother, Sam C. Petty. Hazel earned her GED from Sandhills Community College, while Sam not only earned his GED but also graduated from a community college. This award celebrates their accomplishments and the lasting impact of their lives. Each year, the scholarship is presented at the College and Career HSE Graduation ceremony, with one recipient chosen from Moore County and another from Hoke County.
Commitment to Excellence in Coding -this award honors a student who has exemplified unwavering dedication, precision, and professionalism throughout the Medical Billing and Coding program.
Commitment to Excellence in Phlebotomy – this award recognizes a student who has demonstrated exceptional skill, professionalism, and dedication throughout the Phlebotomy Technician program.
Fire Academy Valedictorian Award – this award is presented to the student who demonstrates the highest academic achievement in both the Firefighter and HazMat portions of the program.
Corbin Rogers Leadership Award Fire Academy Valedictorian Award – this award is presented to the student who demonstrates the highest academic achievement in both the Firefighter and HazMat portions of the program. Corbin Rogers joined the Carthage Fire Department in 2018, shortly after graduating from Union Pines High School. He earned his firefighter certifications through the Sandhills Community College Fire Academy and went on to serve part-time with the Carthage Fire Department and full-time with the Spring Lake Fire Department. This award is given in memory of Corbin Rogers and is voted on by fellow students. It honors the individual who demonstrates outstanding leadership throughout the Sandhills Fire Academy
A special thanks was delivered to the instructors, directors and coordinators, administrative staff and to the family members, friends, and loved ones of the graduates for their encouragement, patience, and unwavering belief that have been the foundation of their student’s journey.
To learn more about the Workforce Continuing Education classes and programs, please visit: https://www.sandhills.edu/programs/all-programs.html
For pathway information for high school students visit: https://www.sandhills.edu/programs/ccp/wce-ccp.html
Article and photos contributed by Sandhills Community College.
