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Ridgeland Campus graduates Surgical Technology Class of 2019 Pictured is the Ridgeland Campus Surgical Technology Class of 2019. They are (front row, left to right) Carly Richard, Victoria Ward, Tina Hamm, Brianna Chapman, Leigh Wilkerson, (back row, left to right) James McGee, Bekah Misner, Taylor Byrne and Brad Coleman.
The Holmes Community College Ridgeland Campus held a Pinning Ceremony for the Surgical Technology Class of 2019 on June 27 at Madison United Methodist Church. Nine students were honored, making this the largest graduating Surgical Technology class since the program's inception on the Ridgeland Campus.
Graduates included: Taylor Byrne of Pearl, Brianna Chapman of Canton, Brad Coleman of Clinton, Tina Hamm of Brandon, James McGee of Edwards, Bekah Misner of Madison, Carly Richard of Richland, Victoria Ward of Ridgeland and Leigh Wilkerson of Brandon.
The ceremony began with a processional of the graduates, followed by an invocation given by Brad Coleman. Following the prayer, Vice President of Career-Technical Education Dr. Amy Whittington welcomed the crowd.
"Ms. Coleman, our instructor, does a great job with our students," Dr. Whittington said. "We think she's wonderful and the students would agree with that as well. We want to thank her for getting this class to this point. Thank you to the parents, spouses and children of our graduates; we know it takes a village and these students appreciate the village they have with all of you. We know all of you students couldn't have done it without each other: I appreciate the relationships you all form in these types of programs. They will be special for a lifetime.
"The focus of our Career-Technical Education Department at Holmes is student success, Dr. Whittington said. "How do we define student success? A couple of key things: completion, graduation and employment. We have 90 percent completion rate this year, and even better than that, we have 100 percent employment rate already for this class. Congratulations, you've done some wonderful things and we expect you to do more wonderful things when you leave us and go out in the world. Holmes will always be your home. Come back to see us; we will always be here for you."
Following Dr. Whittington, Carly Richard stepped up to introduce the guest speaker, Holmes alumna Shelley Malone.
Malone graduated from the Holmes Surgical Technology program in 2017 where she was both valedictorian and the Surgical Technology Student of the Year. She is a certified surgical technologist and a member of the Association of Surgical Technologists; an honor bestowed on only a few from Mississippi.
"Surgical technology is not just a job; it's a calling, it's a vocation," Malone said. "Not just anyone can do the things that we do. Our responsibility isn't simply to hand instruments and sponges to a surgeon. You're going to be as invested in patient care as the doctors and nurses around you and just as involved. As a surgical technologist, you are directly in the line of fire from the surgeon, and your responsibility is to learn and understand surgical procedures as well as he or she does without the benefit of medical school. You are expected to think on your fee constantly.
"A good tech possesses several distinct qualities: they are outspoken, confident, pay excellent attention to detail and they are dedicated to their patients," Malone said. "You have to be outspoken in order to advocate for your patient. Don't be afraid to speak up when you see something that gets contaminated; it should be a knee-jerk reaction to call something like that out.
"Confidence is important because even if you don't feel confident, and you won't, always, your belief that you know how to do what is best for your patient will build confidence within your surgical team and the case will go more smoothly. Excellent attention to detail is an absolute necessity because your sole responsibility is attending to every detail of the surgery. Everyone in the OR has a job, and this is yours. Dedication to the patient goes without saying. I know that you have put in the time and the effort necessary to prove you that you want what is best for your patients. This is a hands-on experience. It is an experience of servanthood. We are guided by the Latin principle, 'Primum non nocere,' which means 'Above all, do no harm.'
"Your first priority is protecting your patient," Malone said. "Always be open to learning new methods, new procedures, etc. Always be trying to learn the next best thing available for treating your patient; trust me, your team will appreciate it. There is absolutely a place for innovation and creativity in this field. I want to welcome you all to this wonderful profession. It is truly a rewarding experience and I hope that each and every one of you finds not only success, but heartfelt satisfaction as well."
Following Malone's address to the graduates, Surgical Technology instructor Shea Coleman approached the podium to present awards. Leigh Wilkerson was named valedictorian for having the highest GPA out of all the Ridgeland Campus surgical technology students and Bekah Misner was named salutatorian for having the second highest.
After the awards were given, Career-Technical Education Counselor Allison DeWeese called the students to the stage one-by-one to receive their certificates and pins. Ridgeland Campus Vice President Dr. Don Burnham and Dr. Whittington presented certificates before Coleman pinned each student. Following the pinning, Dr. Burnham addressed the graduates one final time.
"Our faculty here at Holmes cares deeply about the success of our students," Dr. Burnham said. "Our counselors care deeply about the success of our students. Graduates, you have persevered and succeeded. Your role is very important in the operating room or wherever you end up working, so always take your job very seriously. Remember to keep your integrity. I'll say it again, always keep your integrity. Remember Holmes Community College, and know that we are here for you. We hope you'll come back to see us. May God bless each of you and may your lives reflect His glory as you move on to the next chapter."
The graduates recited the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) Code of Ethics before Leigh Wilkerson 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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