HANCEVILLE, Ala. — More than 25 students were recognized during a pinning ceremony for the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at Wallace State Community College. Sixteen students from the Abdomen/Vascular pathway and 13 from the Cardiovascular pathway successfully completed their studies, with the majority of those already passing at least one board exam to earn certifications.
“For some this is your Mount Everest summit,” said Program Director April Sutherland. “It is a huge accomplishment to receive this tiny little pin that we’re going to give you. But while this pin indicates successful completion, it does not indicate the end. It means that you made it to the beginning of your career in health care. A career that will allow you to take care of others. This pin means you have earned the right to be called a sonographer. I challenge you to respect that right. Never take for granted what you do and how important it is.”
“Today is a celebration of what we achieved, but tomorrow is when the real work begins,” said Zachary Cato, class president for the Cardiovascular cohort. “Tomorrow you will be responsible for detecting pathological abnormalities that not only prevent medical emergencies, but ultimately save lives. You’re now pillars in patient care plans.”
Cato, of Birmingham, encouraged his fellow classmates to continue to learn, be humble and to not be too hard on themselves as they enter the workforce.
“Think about all the times you questioned your abilities…and yet here we are today. You’ve overcome those doubts and you will continue to push through the challenges ahead.”
Samantha Uptain of Parrish, president of the Abdomen/Vascular cohort, encouraged her classmates to look back and see how far they’ve come.
“Let’s take this moment and recognize the hard work that has got us here, the late nights, the struggles and the many clinical hours. All these experiences shaped us and prepared us to be the best sonographers that we can be.”
During the ceremony, awards were presented to the valedictorians from each cohort as well as clinical excellence awards.
Ava Raine of Boaz was named valedictorian of the Abdomen/Vascular class, while Autum Buttrum of Loretta, Tennessee, was named the valedictorian of the Cardiovascular class.
Clinical Excellence awards were presented to Heidi Hernandez-Martinez of Douglas from the Abdomen/Vascular class and Leah Oglesby of McCalla from the Cardiovascular class.
Members of the Abdomen/Vascular class of 2024 include:
- Gracie Allred, RDMS of Sulligent
- Chloe Chisenall, RDMS, RVT, of Scottsboro
- Heidi Hernandez-Martinez, Douglas, RDMS, of Douglas
- Samantha Uptain, RDMS of Parrish
- Halie Jones, RDMS of Huntsville
- Melissa Map of Moody
- Carley Mason, RDMS, RVT of Rainsville
- Jalynn McGee, RDMS of Winchester, Tennessee
- Taylor Porter of Addison
- Ava Rains, RDMS, RVT of Boaz
- Landan Shaffer of Phil Campbell
- Kendall Simpson, RDMS, RVT of Sand Rock
- Kelsey Willis of Bristol, Tennessee
Members of the Cardiovascular class of 2024 include:
- Autumn Buttram of Loretto, Tennessee
- Zachary Cato, RDCS, RVT of Birmingham
- Emily Clemons, RDCS, RVT, of Scottsboro
- Savannah Dean, RDCS, RVS of Athens
- Kayla Fielding, RDCS of Huntsville
- Carol Finley, RDCS, RVT of Rainsville
- Addison Jones, RDCS of Tuscumbia
- Molli Kimbrough, RCS of Tuscumbia
- Madilyn Laughner, RDCS of West Point, Tennessee
- Kaylee Lester, RCS, RVT of Greenhill
- Mia Michel, RDCS, RVT of Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Leah Oglesby, RDCS, RVT of McCalla
- Kaylee Radford, RDCS of Millville, New Jersey
- Kaylee Smith, RDCS, RVT of Falkville
- Laney Ward, RVT of Buchanan, Georgia
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program offers three associate degree pathway options, Abdomen/Vascular, Cardiovascular and Obstetrics and Gynecology. Applications for admission are accepted annually from March 1 to June 1 for fall entry. For more information, visit www.wallacestate.edu/Sonography, call 256-352-8334 or email mindie.sandlin@wallacestate.edu.
