Standing room only at MTC 2020 Winter Graduation

(Bradenton, FL—January 24, 2020)   Cantrell Hall was standing room only at the Manatee Technical College 2020 winter graduation ceremony on January 23.  MTC graduated 364 students, of which 157 participated in the ceremony.

Graduates represented 38 career-certificate, applied-technology-diploma and apprenticeship programs from the Main and East campuses, as well as GED grads from the Main and West campuses.

Welding graduate Vincent Pearson read the speech of fellow grad Patrick Bush, who had to miss graduation because of the flu.  The welding program boasts 100% placement.  Pearson is going into the United States Air Force after graduation; Bush is now employed by G.G. Schmitt and Sons; and many of their classmates are now working at Air Products.

The other grad speaker was Alexis Moss, graduating from the practical nurse program.  She worked at Blake Hospital as a CNA for three years and did home health for a year before coming to MTC to become an LPN; she hopes to find a nursing position in corrections or psychiatric mental health.

Main campus assistant director Greg McGrew opened the ceremony.  Early Childhood Education Apprenticeship graduate Ollie Fuller gave the invocation.  Deputy superintendent Doug Wagner spoke of MTC meeting its mission.  Joining them onstage to congratulate the graduates were School Board vice-chair Charlie Kennedy, board member David Miner, and assistant director Omar Edwards.  MTC career counselors Xela Brutus, Dr. Mark Darby, Amy Gates, Kathleen Matthews, Roderick Mitchell, and Mark Toler presented diplomas.

For photos, go to News/Events at https://www.manateetech.edu/.

About Manatee Technical College

Manatee Technical College is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education.  MTC has three campuses within the School District of Manatee County and offers over 50 career preparation programs, continuing education, and adult general education classes.  The mission of MTC is to produce highly skilled individuals and resourceful leaders through collaborative education to meet the ever-changing needs of our communities and the workforce.