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The Holmes Community College Ridgeland Campus held a pinning ceremony on June 25 at the McGowan Workforce Training Center to honor the Surgical Technology Class of 2025. Nine students were recognized during the event: Jasmine Johnson of Tchula, Jasmine Luckett of Carthage, Maisie McCoy of Brandon, Madison McGee of Jackson, Madalynne McKnatt of Madison, Jayla Palmer of Clinton, Amanda Qaqish of Madison, Tailynn Remmel of Clinton, and Jalencia Young of Pearl.
The ceremony opened with a graduate processional, followed by an invocation led by McKnatt. Career Technical Counselor Jovonna Parker then welcomed attendees, and Young stepped forward to present a couple of awards and introduce the guest speaker, Surgical Technology Instructor Christin Boyette.
Stepping to the podium, Young addressed the audience, saying, “On behalf of the class of 2025, I’d like to take the opportunity to present special awards to our instructors in recognition of their dedication and support,” Young said.
First, she presented an award to Boyette, saying “We appreciate you for dedicating your time and expertise for surgical technology. May your timeless efforts never fail in helping future generations grow. Thank you for all that you have done.”
Next, Young presented Surgical Tech Director/Instructor Shea Coleman with an award, stating, “You are truly a great instructor, which is hard to find. You will be impossible to forget. Thank you for listening, for guidance, for inspiration, for encouragement and for being a part of all of our journeys.”
Following Young’s presentation, Boyette stepped up to the podium to address the graduates.
“It is truly an honor to stand here, not only as a first-time instructor, but more importantly, as someone who has had the privilege of walking alongside these amazing students through this transformative chapter of their lives,” Boyette said. “It is also a privilege to be a graduate of the Holmes Surgical Technology program. I have sat where you are right now, with mixed emotions: pride, definitely some relief and maybe a little nervous excitement about what is to come next. When I returned to this program, it was personal. I knew how this program had changed my life, and I wanted to be a part of guiding others through that same journey. What I did not fully anticipate was how much I would learn in return from each of you.
“As you’ve learned, this profession demands excellence,” Boyette continued. “It demands teamwork, compassion and a calm presence under pressure. Each of you has demonstrated that you have what it takes to meet those demands. Beyond skill and knowledge, this profession still calls for something much deeper – an unwavering commitment to patient care. As members of this profession we live by the principle aeger primus, which means ‘patient first.’ Upholding that responsibility now belongs to you. I’ve seen you power through balancing real life with the demands of this program, I’ve seen you turn fear into focus and uncertainty into skill. I’ve seen each of you grow, struggle and ultimately rise to become the surgical technologist we’re honoring today. Your perseverance did not go unnoticed. You’ve earned more than a degree today; you’ve earned the confidence of a surgical technologist and the respect of Ms. Coleman and myself.”
Boyette then expressed her gratitude to Coleman, acknowledging that she is the reason she has achieved her current success.
“Thank you for pouring your time and energy into me,” Boyette said. “You modeled what it means to lead with both strength and integrity. I strive every day to do the same for our students and for our profession. It is my greatest privilege to stand by your side as we continue to shape the future of surgical technology.”
After thanking the friends and family of the graduates for their support, Boyette closed with a few more remarks to the students.
“As you leave here today, and step into your new role as a surgical technologist, remember this: the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others. Although you are often the quiet, unseen hero in the background, you are an essential force in the OR. You are the future of surgical technology, and that future looks bright. Congratulations to the Class of 2025!”
Following Boyette’s remarks, Coleman took the podium to commend her students for their dedication and to present a few special awards.
“I’m going to start with the Pillar Award,” Coleman said. “The Pillar Award is presented to a graduate who has demonstrated exceptional ability, strong leadership and unwavering commitment to teamwork. This individual served as a constant source of encouragement and a foundation of support for her peers through the program. She exemplified the core values of professionalism, collaboration and integrity. The recipient for this year’s Pillar Award is Jalencia Young.”
Next, Coleman presented the Phoenix Award.
“The Phoenix Award goes to a student who rose from early struggles to achieve both academic and clinical excellence, exemplifying the true spirt of resilience. Through determination, hard work and a commitment to self-improvement, this student turned challenges into steppingstones for success. With grit, grace and a renewed sense of purpose, she reminded us that perseverance and passion can lead to extraordinary accomplishments. It is my honor and privilege to present this award to Madalynne Mcknatt.”
After the Phoenix Award, Coleman presented the Clinical Student of the Year Award.
“This award goes to a student who demonstrated outstanding performance, professionalism and dedication in the clinical setting,” Coleman said. “I’d watch this student and be in total awe, forgetting she wasn’t an actual worker yet but one of our students. This individual consistently upheld the highest standards of surgical conscience, patient safety and teamwork with a calm demeanor, strong work ethic and willingness to learn. She quickly became a trusted, respected member of the surgical team. I am honored to give this award to Maisie McCoy.”
Following McCoy’s recognition, Coleman recognized the Surgical Technologist of the Year.
“This award is presented to the individual who exemplifies excellence in the field of surgical technology,” Coleman said. “This graduate consistently demonstrated mastery in the operating room and upheld the highest standard of sterile technique. She also served as a role model with her professionalism and integrity. She has earned the respect of her peers, instructors and those from clinical alike. It is my honor to give this award to Jasmine Luckett.”
Coleman also recognized Luckett as valedictorian for having the highest GPA in her class and McGee as salutatorian for having the second highest.
“These students have shown exceptional academic achievement, dedication to excellence and steadfast commitment to the demands of surgical technology education,” Coleman said.
Upon completion of the awards presentation, Coleman announced that the program had a 100 percent pass rate on the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam. Students and audience members erupted into shouts of joy as she explained that now all nine graduates are officially certified.
After the awards presentation, the students came up to the stage one-by-one to receive their certificates and pins. Parker and Director of Health Sciences Allison DeWeese presented certificates before Coleman pinned each student. Following the pinning, DeWeese addressed the graduates one final time.
“I’m so proud of y’all,” DeWeese said. “I know how hard you all have worked, and I’m very excited for y’all. I know that y’all have put in many early mornings going to your clinical sites and have had many long days of lecture and labs – all of that is being recognized today. You are now an alumna of Holmes Community College!”
The graduates then recited the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) Code of Ethics before McCoy concluded the ceremony with the benediction.
For more information about the Surgical Technology program on the Ridgeland Campus, contact Coleman at (601) 605-3396 or tcoleman@holmescc.edu.
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Pictured are the Holmes Community College Ridgeland Campus Surgical Technology Class of 2025 graduates alongside their instructors. They are (left to right) Instructor Shea Coleman, Maisie McCoy, Jalencia Young, Jayla Palmer, Jasmine Luckett, Madison McGee, Madalynne Mcknatt, Jasmine Johnson, Amanda Qaqish, Tailynn Remmel and Instructor Christin Boyette.
