Dr. Heidi Popham, GNTC president, presents Tony Lamar Brooks with a diploma in Business Management
Dr. Heidi Popham, GNTC president, presents Caleb Cochran with a technical certificate of credit in Computer Forensics and Security Specialist
Ebony S. Blanks, Jamie Bush and Nykenge B. Peterson pose for a picture before the commencement ceremony begins. All three received a diploma in Practical Nursing.
Students Ammy Cornejo Cornejo, technical certificate of credit in Cosmetology for Licensure; Angie Lopez, technical certificate of credit in Cosmetology for Licensure; Selena Angelica Cruz, technical certificate of credit in Clinical Office Assistant; Lizbeth Segura Vazquez, technical certificate of credit in Clinical Office Assistant; Ruben Cruz-Chavez, associate degree in Business Management; and Verencie Nieto, diploma in Medical Assisting, prepare for the commencement ceremony to begin.
More than 300 Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) students crossed the stage of the Dalton Convention Center on Thursday, Dec. 12, to the cheers of their families, friends and instructors.
Trevor Roberts, clinical coordinator of Ultrasound programs and instructor of Adult Echocardiography at GNTC, sang the National Anthem. Leyner Argueta, program director and instructor of Business Management at GNTC, led the Invocation.
Dr. Heidi Popham, president of GNTC, welcomed guests, congratulated the graduates and observed that the graduates have “overcome unique challenges, demonstrating tenacity and steadfast spirit.”
“You chose not to be defined by your obstacles,” Dr. Popham told the graduates. “Instead you chose the path to education, personal growth and achievement. We celebrate tonight your hard work, your dedication, your determination and your willingness to overcome obstacles.”
“Throughout your journey, you have not only acquired knowledge, but you have developed essential life skills, such as adaptability, problem solving and a thirst for knowledge that will serve you well in the future,” Dr. Popham said.
Dr. Popham introduced commencement address speaker Deanna Hulsey, instructor of Cosmetology at GNTC and the 2024 GNTC Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year and First Runner-Up for the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) 2024 Rick Perkins Instructor of the Year.
“My life has been like a movie, a Lifetime movie,” Ms. Hulsey said. “I’ve experienced some crazy things, but hardships build character and make you funnier.”
Ms. Hulsey said she left high school after becoming pregnant and received her High School Equivalency at GNTC. After enduring years of abuse by her children’s father and a harrowing incident when he held them hostage, she fled with her two daughters and never returned.
She received her diploma in Cosmetology from GNTC in 2011 and has been an instructor at GNTC since 2014. She has taught Dual Enrollment high school students and adult students. Hulsey, a Rome resident, is a Georgia Licensed Master Cosmetologist.
“I had endured a lot of sadness at a young age, and I was on a mission to pursue joy,” she said.
She praised GNTC instructors who cheer on their students, believe in them and genuinely care about them; as an instructor now, she strives to remember how much she needed that support as a student, she said, adding “GNTC made my dreams attainable.”
“Don’t ever forget that you have a voice and choices,” Ms. Hulsey told the graduates. “You are not a victim of your life.”
Stuart Phillips, vice president of Student Affairs and Student Success at GNTC, recognized High Honor and Honor graduates. Mr. Phillips also led a special recognition for graduates who are Dual Enrollment Graduates, FBLA Collegiate members, First Generation College Graduates, SkillsUSA members, Student Government Association members and veterans.
Susan Bowman, assistant dean, program director and instructor of Health Information Management Technology at GNTC, administered the GNTC Alumni Association Oath.
Dr. Elizabeth Anderson, vice president of Academic Affairs and Institutional Effectiveness at GNTC, presented the graduates, and Dr. Popham conferred the graduates with associate degrees, diplomas and certificates.
Listed are graduates who participated in the 2024 Fall Commencement Ceremony showing (from left) the graduate’s name and program of study. This list does not include students who have graduated, but did not participate in the ceremony, or students who registered for the ceremony after the commencement program was printed:
Associate of Applied Science degree
Latosha Kaye Allen, Business Management
Ryan Nicholas Andrews, Business Technology
Haley Madison Banks, Adult Echocardiography
Emily B. Barger, Drafting Technology
Brittany Nichloe Bays, Cybersecurity
Lorianna Marie Beech, Construction Management
Jaritza Belman, Criminal Justice Technology
Marley Paige Bishop, Vascular
Lena Caroline Black, Radiologic Technology
Jonathan Edward Boling, Business Management
Brianna Lindsey Bowen, Industrial Systems Technology
Hailey Bryant, Business Healthcare Technology
Kaylee A. Buckner, Vascular
Jillian Burns, Health Care Management
Skye Cameron, Vascular
Peri Campbell, Business Management
Lacey Carmon, Early Childhood Care and Education
Ashley Elizabeth Carroll, Vascular
Tomeka Aliyah Carter, Computer Support Specialist
Jose G. Castillo, Industrial Systems Technology
Skylar Nicole Caudill, Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Gerson Celis Albarran, Accounting
Juan M. Cervantes, Construction Management
Carla Leighan Childers, Radiologic Technology
Sara Caroline Childers, Adult Echocardiography
Ama B. Cline, Culinary Arts
Darryn P. Colson, Aviation Maintenance Technology
Amy Nicole Comer, Radiologic Technology
Andrew W. Comley, Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Dominic Calvin Olen Copeland, Criminal Justice Technology
Yamilet Cordero, Radiologic Technology
Mary Alexus Couch, Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Kayla Crabbe, Culinary Arts
Tiernan Cross, Aviation Maintenance Technology
Lizbeth Cruz, Radiologic Technology
Ruben Cruz-Chavez, Business Management
Anneli M. Davis, Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Jillian Danielle Desmond, Business Healthcare Technology
Erwann Laurent Desormeaux, Aviation Maintenance Technology
LaMisha Diamond, Social Work Assistant
Brianna Lashae Dillard, Early Childhood Care and Education
Jesus Dominquez, Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Madison Grace Doty, Early Childhood Care and Education
Jessica R. Dover, Health Care Management
Lilia Nicole Dreps, Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Elizebeth Ann Duncan, Culinary Arts
Mia Edwards, Social Work Assistant
Samantha Payton Ekey, Adult Echocardiography
Erica Cruz Escutia, Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Oscar Esquivel, Industrial Systems Technology
Lisa A. Faircloth, Business Healthcare Technology
Patrick O’Ryan Ferguson, Instrumentation and Controls Technician
Marcy M. Fountain, Adult Echocardiography
Stormy S. Fowler, Health Care Management
Juan C. Fraire, Business Management
Joel A. Gardea, Business Management
Aydenn Faith Gargus, Medical Assisting
Emelly Garnica, Construction Management
Jessica Glover, Health Care Management
Judith Gonzalez, Business Management
Kristy Mae Grady, Business Healthcare Technology
Brett J. Gregory, Marketing Management
Misty Groomes, Business Management
Sydney Ann Groves, Culinary Arts
Kaitlyn Guevara, Business Management
Bioleta Guzman, Health Care Management
Anissa Caitlin Hales, Business Management
Ashley Taylor Hall, Radiologic Technology
Carla H. Hames, Health Care Management
Brianna D. Hearn, Surgical Technology
Hannah Hegwood, Business Management
Megan Suzanne Henderson, Vascular
Jesus C. Hernandez, Industrial Systems Technology
Christopher A. Herrera, Construction Management
Cody Lee Hillhouse, Aviation Maintenance Technology
Julia Naomi Hunt, Vascular
Ashley L. Jaques, Early Childhood Care and Education
Candace Michelle Jenkins, Adult Echocardiography
Nancy L. Johnson, Business Management
Victoria Jurado, Criminal Justice Technology
Payton Kankaala, Marketing Management
Claire Kastner, Adult Echocardiography
Yesmeen Khateb, Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Emma M. Kinsey, Health Care Management
Nellie Angeline Lassiter, Business Management
Jorge L. Lopez, Industrial Systems Technology
Ruby F. Lopez, Medical Assisting
Mackenzie Allese McMahan Lunsford, Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Raylin Macon, Vascular
MaKayden Martin, Radiologic Technology
Alejandra Martinez Nunez, Business Management
Morgan Alyson Matthews, Radiologic Technology
Nija McNabb, Health Care Management
Juan Miguel-Lopez, Surgical Technology
Joseph P. Miller, Culinary Arts
Jordan Millirons, Criminal Justice Technology
Sara A. Millsap, Radiologic Technology
Margaret S. Mims, Business Management
Roxie Ann Mitchell, Social Work Assistant
Jessica R. Motes, Medical Assisting
Kelsey D. Motes, Radiologic Technology
Roxana Ortiz, Culinary Arts
Andrea Renea Owens, Early Childhood Care and Education
Ronnie Paloblanco, Construction Management
Carla M. Paulin, Business Healthcare Technology
Sara E. Peranteau, Early Childhood Care and Education
Glory A. Perez, Business Management
Jeni L. Perrien, Business Management
Tyler L. Pierce, Radiologic Technology
Jessica Reeves Pittman, Radiologic Technology
Sandra Kay Poe, Radiologic Technology
Tabitha S. Pullum, Early Childhood Care and Education
Kameron Michelle Purser, Surgical Technology
Bruce Andy Ramirez, Automotive Technology
Tyler Rawlins, Radiologic Technology
Rebecca N. Redden, Business Healthcare Technology
Mattye Elise Rekus-Johnson, Adult Echocardiography
Grace Renz, Adult Echocardiography
Brittany A. Reyes, Early Childhood Care and Education
Margoth Reyes, Computer Support Specialist
Taylor Chantae Richardson, Medical Assisting
Yaderit Rico, Vascular
Terry Roberts Jr., Construction Management
Graci Emma Lee Robison, Business Management
Andrea Rodriguez, Business Management
Aida Magnolia Romero Salazar, Early Childhood Care and Education
Cristina S. Salaices, Accounting
Griselda E. Salaices, Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Stephanie Salinas, Medical Assisting
Kaylee Samples, Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Kemberly Mariney Sanchez Leal, Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Giovanny A. Santillan, Construction Management
Kyla Grace Seabolt, Radiologic Technology
Jenniffer Serrano, Radiologic Technology
Hannah Suzette Shorey, Early Childhood Care and Education
Skiler Slaton, Surgical Technology
Breanna L. Smith, Health Care Management
Olivia Katlin Stephens, Health Care Management
Brittany Tate, Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Aretha Thomas, Early Childhood Care and Education
Julissa Torres-Soto, Surgical Technology
Ladarius T. Underwood, Industrial Systems Technology
Gabrielle Vasquez, Early Childhood Care and Education
Kimberly Veliz, Radiologic Technology
Victoria L. Walker, Business Management
Olivia Dru Wargo, Culinary Arts
Savannah Wargo, Criminal Justice Technology
Lisa Nicole Watson, Business Management
Meagan White, Business Management
Britni Denise Williams, Early Childhood Care and Education
Brittany Williams, Medical Assisting
Kinsey Paige Wilson, Adult Echocardiography
Brandon P. Wishon, Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Camden N. Womack, Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Robin L. Wright, Early Childhood Care and Education
Diploma
Sonia Rocio Avalos, Diesel Equipment Technology
Ebony S. Banks, Practical Nursing
Sabrina Battle, Automotive Technology
Shawnah L. Blevins, Medical Assisting
Taylor N. Bridge, Medical Assisting
Tony Lamar Brooks, Business Management
Jamie Bush, Practical Nursing
Ruth N. Calderon-Garcia, Medical Assisting
Arlin Sebastian Ward Cano, Automotive Fundamentals
Odalis V. Cardoza, Early Childhood Care and Education
Takara K. Cole, Cosmetology
Gracie Love Costa, Cosmetology
Evelyne Cruz-Reyes, Practical Nursing
Jeffrey Lane Doran, Electrical Systems Technology
Shania Cheyenne Dunn, Business Technology
Abby Gail Brylen Elliott, Cosmetology
Giselle Estrada, Medical Assisting
Sadie Eubanks, Cosmetology
Katelyn Nicole Evans, Practical Nursing
Alexandria Leigh Finch, Cosmetology
Taylor Fincher, Practical Nursing
Stephanie Rena Fountain, Business Healthcare Technology
Jose Francisco, Air Conditioning Technology
Emily Gaston, Business Healthcare Technology
Darryl Gibbons Jr., Air Conditioning Technology
Tani A. Glass Green, Medical Assisting
Ezra Guerrero, Welding and Joining Technology
Teresa Ann Haynes, Practical Nursing
Cole Daniel Houston, Industrial Systems Technology
Kelly N. Jones, Medical Assisting
Gilberto Leonardo De La Cruz, Electrical Systems Technology
Selina Lucas Ramirez, Dental Assisting
Tiffany D. Malone, Early Childhood Care and Education
Heidi L. Martinez, Industrial Systems Technology
Jose Antonio Medina, Diesel Equipment Technology
Pedro Morales, Welding and Joining Technology
Riley James Mutter, Welding and Joining Technology
Logan Myers, Welding and Joining Technology
Haley Ann Newsom, Cosmetology
James J. Nez, Welding and Joining Technology
Verenice Nieto, Medical Assisting
Kayla A. Perez, Criminal Justice Technology
Jennifer Vannesa Perez-Cardoza, Medical Assisting
Carrie Perry, Medical Assisting
Nykenge B. Peterson, Practical Nursing
Alexander Prior, Industrial Systems Technology
Franklin W. Ramirez-Gonsalez, Electrical Systems Technology
Savannah A. Reed, Cosmetology
Gabriela Reyes-Pizano, Dental Assisting
John Wesley Ross, Industrial Systems Technology
Ivy Nichole Ryan, Medical Assisting
Molly Satterfield, Welding and Joining Technology
Sylas Satterfield, Welding and Joining Technology
Kaylee B. Silvers, Cosmetology
Daniel G. Smith, Auto Collision Repair
Yvette Solorzano, Practical Nursing
Kelli Nicole Sparks, Dental Assisting
Emily Nichole Stroup, Practical Nursing
Isabel Duarte Terry, Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Amanda Leigh Thaxton, Medical Assisting
Omar Toche Martinez, Welding and Joining Technology
Yolanda Z. Velarde, Business Management
Andrew Venn, Electrical Systems Technology
Armida Vicente, Welding and Joining Technology
Cierra Washington, Practical Nursing
Kelly R. Williams, Electrical Systems Technology
Madison Ratledge Wooten, Practical Nursing
Alyssa Yeomans, Practical Nursing
Jordan Zachery, Dental Assisting
Dominic Zulu, Automotive Technology
Technical Certificate of Credit
Shelby Grace Agan, Cosmetology for Licensure
James Ryan Barber, Aviation Maintenance Technician-Power Plant
Omar Barron-Cruz, Air Conditioning System Maintenance Technician
Julissa Betancourt Sanchez, Clinical Office Assistant
Maegan Elaine Brookshire, Cosmetology for Licensure
Amber Cheyanne Brown, Central Sterile Supply Processing Technician-Adv
Kenzie Carroll, Clinical Office Assistant
Kamieshia Chambers, Cosmetology for Licensure
Caleb Cochran, Computer Forensics and Security Specialist
Isabelle A. Cooper, Eligibility Determination Specialist
Ammy Cornejo Cornejo, Cosmetology for Licensure
Jada Maray Cosper, Cosmetology for Licensure
Lauren A. Craig, Healthcare Office Assistant
Selena Angelica Cruz, Clinical Office Assistant
Mailey L. Davis, Cosmetology for Licensure
Gladys Debora, Tax Preparation Specialist
Adan Deleon Gonzalez, Auto Electrical/Electronic Systems Technician
Amy Elizabeth Dies, Paramedicine Accelerated
Casey Brook Dover, Cosmetology for Licensure
Anayeli M. Escalante, Medical Front Office Assistant
Sarai S. Eubanks, Tax Preparation Specialist
Emily M. Garcia, Medical Coding
Nathan Garner, Clinical Office Assistant
Halle Gibson, Cosmetology for Licensure
Shelby Green, Supply Chain Specialist
Jenna Hall, Certified Customer Service Specialist
Kieana J. Hartline, Medical Coding
Brittani Hayes, Early Childhood Care and Education Basics
Alicia N. Hernandez, Clinical Office Assistant
Ervin Nolasco Hernandez, Industrial Electrician
Tiffany Hillegeist, Cosmetology for Licensure
Tim Hinds, Commercial Truck Driving - Class A
Emma Ann Howard, Accelerated Phlebotomy Technician
Lucy Elena Ixcoy-Vicente, Cosmetology for Licensure
Shelby Johnson, Cosmetology for Licensure
Carter M. Jones, Electrical Contracting Technician
Kizzy B. Jones, Clinical Office Assistant
Yolanda Jones, CNA (Nurse Aide Accelerated)
Andrew Lang, Flux Cored Arc Welder
Audrey R. Lang, Child Development Specialist
Angie Lopez, Cosmetology for Licensure
Amy Stephany Lopez Contreras, Phlebotomy Technician
Emily Lopez-Segura, Accelerated Phlebotomy Technician
Jordan Loveless, Clinical Office Assistant
Emmaline Lynn, Early Childhood Care and Education Basics
Alexandria Mann, Early Childhood Care and Education Basics
Jennifer Matute, Early Childhood Care and Education Basics
Allie Hayden McCormack, Healthcare Billing and Coding Specialist
Alexandra Medrano, Phlebotomy Technician
Evelyn Mendiola, Cosmetology for Licensure
Sarah Meza, Central Sterile Supply Processing Technician-Adv
Sandra Middleton, Early Childhood Care and Education Basics
Jennifer Miranda, Administrative Support Assistant
Elizabeth Mulkey, Cosmetology for Licensure
Melanie Adely Ojeda, Early Childhood Care and Education Basics
Jacqueline Ornelas, Cosmetology for Licensure
Linette Alexa Ortiz, Central Sterile Supply Processing Technician-Adv
Maria Ortiz Blanco, Early Childhood Care and Education Basics
Andrea Pace, Clinical Office Assistant
Kristine Pacheco, Early Childhood Care and Education Basics
Winiferd Dijanni Palma, Introduction to Criminal Justice
Andrea Tiffany Parker, Accelerated Phlebotomy Technician
Lynesha Patton, Cosmetology for Licensure
Dayly Lizbeth Perez, Cosmetology for Licensure
Susana Perez, Cosmetology for Licensure
Cristi Suleyma Perez Morales, Marketing Specialist
Camila Pimentel, Cosmetology for Licensure
Ivone Pineda-Pineda, Accelerated Phlebotomy Technician
Kayleigh Marie Posey, Cosmetology for Licensure
Kayla Powell, Early Childhood Care and Education Basics
Jose Eugenio Rangel Jr., Commercial Truck Driving - Class A
Julia S. Reese, Early Childhood Care and Education Basics
Natalie I. Reyes, Cosmetology for Licensure
Melina Kay Rich, Cosmetology for Licensure
Brittany Roberts, Clinical Office Assistant
Sarah Roberts, Clinical Office Assistant
Gabriel Salaices, Commercial Truck Driving - Class A
Pablo A. Sandoval, Commercial Truck Driving - Class A
Lizbeth Segura Vazquez, Clinical Office Assistant
Sarah Standridge, Accelerated Phlebotomy Technician
Ashley Stuart, Cosmetology for Licensure
Sydney Terry, Cosmetology for Licensure
Brittney Tipton, Early Childhood Care and Education Basics
Cristian Rocendo Tirador Cervantes, Commercial Truck Driving - Class A
Isabella L. Tucker, CNA (Nurse Aide Accelerated)
Sharon Nicole Vasquez-Cigarroa, Medical Coding
Allie J. Walraven, Cosmetology for Licensure
La Wanda Denette Ware, Clinical Office Assistant
Grace A. Wash, Early Childhood Care and Education Basics
Heather Watkins, Clinical Office Assistant
Leanna Weathers, Clinical Office Assistant
Karah Makenzee Willerson, Hair Designer
Madison Williams, Cosmetology for Licensure
Malinda Womack, Clinical Office Assistant
Camishia A. Young, Domestic and Family Violence Specialist