MTC Law Enforcement Academy awards and Nurses pinning

Law Enforcement Awards

Manatee Technical College congratulated 23 graduates of its Law Enforcement Academy on June 28, 2022.  The graduates are now eligible to take the state certification exam to become Certified Law Enforcement Officers in the State of Florida.  Five earned top honors during the ceremony.

Alejandro Chavez and Casey Paulus were honored as class leaders.  Tyler Fowler earned the Top Gun award for having the best firearms skills in the class.  John Joliff earned the highest academic achievement award with a GPA of 96.22.  Ashley Wiggins earned the award for the best driving skills.

Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells was the keynote speaker.  Holmes Beach Police Chief William Tokajer gave the invocation and benediction.  Academy director Jay Romine gave a special recognition to Suzy Ibarra for 14 years of dedicated service to the academy.

Nurses Pinning

The MTC Practical Nursing program pinned 28 graduates in an official pinning ceremony on June 29 in Wagner Auditorium at MTC Main Campus.  Grads of the on-campus and hybrid programs were honored.  Student speakers were Sharon Pickett Schwartz and Jacquelyne Margaret Waddle.  Pins were presented by instructors Frankie Bailey, Maria Lasley, Julie Mardones, nursing program director Dayna Grella, and graduates’ family members.  Graduate Kashmil Jackson led grads in the recitation of the nursing pledge.

The graduates will become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) upon passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) administered by the Florida Board of Nursing.