Nineteen students were recently celebrated during the Paul D. Camp Community College 2019 Allied Health Completion Ceremonies held at the regional workforce development center in Franklin.

The midday event got under way with a welcome from PDCCC President Dr. Daniel Lufkin, followed by the presentation of a prestigious award — the International Ambulance and Medics Commendation — presented to EMS Program Director and Paramedic Paul Ruppert.

“[Mr. Ruppert’s] dynamic leadership and exemplary foresight consistently forged powerful results in every area of endeavor. On short notice and without any additional manpower, he developed the EMS Academy curriculum based on instructor and student critiques, and refined courses to absolute perfection,” said Lufkin. The pinning of the medal was conducted by Adjunct Associate Professor and EMS Clinical Coordinator Charles McLeod.

Lead Phlebotomy Instructor Nancy Cook presented certificates to her six students, followed by Ruppert presenting certificates to nine of the 11 completers able to participate from the EMT/EMS program. The two students successfully finishing the Pharmacy Technician program, headed by Director and Instructor Elaine Beale were not able to attend the ceremonies. They are Alyssa Aguilar and Alyssia Ricks, both of Franklin.

For more information about the PDCCC Nursing and Allied Health programs, email Tasha Taylor at ttaylor@pdc.edu.