BCC Holds First Graduation Ceremony for Workforce Program Students

PITTSFIELD, MA — Berkshire Community College (BCC) held a graduation ceremony on Jan. 28 for the first official graduates of its Workforce program. Students received certificates or completed training in the areas of Emergency Medical Technician, Phlebotomy, Para Educator, Registered Behavior Technician, and Community Health Worker.

BCC President Ellen Kennedy kicked off the event with welcome remarks and an introduction of the keynote speaker, Michael Obasohan, Chief Diversity Officer for the City of Pittsfield. Obasohan delivered a poignant keynote speech that touched on the themes of overcoming fear, growing self-confidence and practicing self-advocacy. Executive Director of Workforce and Community Education Linda Clairmont called each graduate to the stage, and Program Managers Jessica Pemble and Tiffany Moreno presented the graduates with certificates.

A total of 53 students graduated:

Community Health Worker: Elizabeth Hakes, Sherine Hamilton, Michelle Maclean, Natale Monroe, Alexander Norman, Leann O'Brien, Antonio Praia Chandalombua, Leah Reed Casey, Phi Su, Miguel Torres De Leon

Emergency Medical Technician: Stanley Bushey, Maxwell Daoust, Sydney Fillion, Jose Gonzalez, Cora Hunter, Yosef Ibrahim, Abigail Marsh, Darian Ramos, Lindsay Roucoulet, Haley Smith

Para Educator: Aisha Gardner, Michelle Guarda, Antonella Luciano, Tanya Stevens, Arieanna Williams, Chanice Williams

Phlebotomy Technician: Kylie Addy, Sonia Berroa, Ashton Bird, Dairis Brignoni Lay, Amber Chadwell, Trevor DeRis, Gianna Fosty, Kaley Gerhardt, Irma Greenfield, Karen Hamel, Queenster Koranteng, Hannah Lawler, Nika Leahey, Kornphon Punyasith, Mabel Ramos Mendoza, Randace Shepard, Cashmere Young, Esha Zahid

Registered Behavior Technician: Na'Oshi Adekunjo, Alyssa Cook, Jolene Drosehn, Brittany Frye, Daniel Maiolatesi-Pomerantz, Jessica Perrault, Nikita Ponce, Ellie Prett, Aliviah Tucker

"Our graduates represent the heart of what we do," Clairmont told the graduates. "Many of you have balanced work, family, and other responsibilities while pursuing your goals. Your perseverance and commitment embody the mission of Berkshire Community College — to provide exceptional education and a wide range of opportunities that meet the diverse needs of our community."

For more information about BCC's Workforce and Community Education program, email workforce@berkshirecc.edu.