Michelle Jones pinning her daughter, Maci during the ceremony / Credit: OTC
Eleven students in the Radiologic Technology program at Ogeechee Technical College received their pins in an annual pinning ceremony held at 5:00 pm on April 22 in the Joseph E. Kennedy Auditorium.
OTC says the highlight of the night was watching Michelle Blocker Jones, a Radiologic Technology graduate from the class of 2000, pin her daughter Maci Lively, something that came as a surprise to both of them.
“I am a proud 2000 graduate of the Radiologic Technology program at Ogeechee Tech. To see my daughter, follow in my footsteps and graduate from the same program 21 years later has been a joy to watch,” said Jones. “I was fortunate enough to be asked to pin her during the ceremony and I feel blessed for us to have been the first two generation graduates of OTC’s x-ray program.”
“It meant so much to me that Ms. Martin asked my mom to pin me at my ceremony,” said Lively. “I chose to take the same career path as her after growing up around her profession. It was the best decision and I am so thankful for her guidance throughout this process.”
Sam Parks, a student in the Rad Tech program, had the opportunity of introducing the ceremony’s keynote speaker Mr. Kenneth Durden R T.(R)., and afterward shared some reflections on his time at Ogeechee Tech.
“Being at Ogeechee Tech has been a wonderful experience, I was guided and nurtured by Ms. Martin and Mr. Dunn throughout the program. OTC instructors have instilled in me the importance of furthering my knowledge, so I will be continuing my education by entering Emory University’s MRI specialization degree this summer.”
Kenneth Durden, who shared some words of encouragement for the graduates, worked in Savannah for 10 years before coming back to Statesboro to attend Ogeechee Tech where he graduated in 2013 from the OTC Radiologic Technology program. Since then Durden has received the OTC Clinical Instructor of the Year Award in 2016, 2017, and 2019.
“Ken challenges us every day to be excellent in our profession,” said Jan Martin, Rad Tech program director. “Not only is he an excellent role model for our students, but he is a pleasure to work with because of the guidance and humor he brings to the clinical site – he makes our learning experiences fun and memorable.”
All students were presented with a Radiologic Technology pin. Those who received their pins, are: Blair Chapman, Mackenzie Fair, Carron Hampton, Karla Jacoby, Alyson Jernigan, Maci Lively, Danielle McAlister, Madelyn Naman, Sam Parks, Katelyn Stewart, and Michael Wilkes.
Originally accredited in 1995, the Radiologic Technology program was evaluated by the JRCERT in January 2021 and was awarded reaccreditation for a period of eight years. Since its inception, the program has produced 303 registered radiographers into the workforce.
Watch a recording of the live streamed celebration below.
