Wallace State Community College’s Respiratory Therapy program held a pinning ceremony May 8, recognizing 23 students successfully completing the program for the Class of 2024.

“This pinning ceremony marks the important transition from student to respiratory therapist,” said Program Director Ashley Lancaster. “This event provides an opportunity for us to recognize you and welcome you as our peers and colleagues in the respiratory therapy profession.”

Class president Madison Hamilton of Kimberly addressed those gathered at the ceremony, stating she is grateful for the relationships she’s made among her instructors and classmates and for her family’s support throughout her time in the program.

She encouraged her classmates to always remember their why.

“Why did you choose respiratory therapy? Who did you choose it to represent?” she said. “When new hills and challenges are in front of you, remember your why. Remember who encouraged you. Remember you can do hard things.”

“I’m reminded of the profound impact each of you will have on the lives of others,” Respiratory therapy instructor Jennifer Logan said. “You’re about to become stewards of human health and well-being. As you embark on this journey, I encourage you to never lose sight of the human aspect of healthcare. Behind every diagnosis, every treatment and every chart is a person, someone’s parent, child, sibling or friend. Remember that your words and actions can have a profound impact on their lives.

Wesley Bryan of Albertville earned an induction into Lambda Beta, the National Honor Society for Respiratory Care.

Class secretary Hannah Waldrop of Blountsville received the Program Award, which is reserved for the student who has excelled not only academically but has also embodied the core values of the profession: professionalism, respect and empathy.

Madison Hamilton received the Academic Excellence Award, which is presented to the student who has displayed unparalleled determination, resilience and a thirst of knowledge.

Morgan Gibson of Fort Payne received the Clinical Excellence Award, which is presented to the student who performs at a level well above satisfactory in clinical experiences.

Along with class president Hamilton and secretary Waldrop, other officers for the Class of 2024 include vice president Aileen M. McCracken of Arab, treasurer Kourtney D. Knight of Huntsville, and class representatives Kensley E. Johnson of Joppa and Destiny R. Smith of Birmingham.

Members of the graduating class include:

— Albertville: Wesley Bryan.

— Arab: Aileen M.McCracken.

— Athens: Marissa D. Willis.

— Birmingham: Destiny R. Smith.

— Blountsville: Hannah E. Waldrop.

— Bremen: Abby G. Montgomery.

— Chelsea: Ashley M. Williamson.

— Cullman: Bailee P. Jones.

— Double Springs: Krissy C. Whisenant.

— Eva: Rebecca Cloer.

— Fort Payne: Morgan B. Gibson.

— Hanceville: Carter B. House.

— Harvest: Sandy L. Watkins.

— Huntsville: Kourtney D. Knight.

— Joppa: Kensley E. Johnson.

— Kimberly: Madison L. Hamilton, President.

— Muscle Shoals: Keauna Hiles, Enrique Martin-Miguel.

— New Hope: Karla L. Doran.

— Springville: Meagan J. Ewing.

— Sumiton: Kendra L. Hannah.

— Warrior: Dalton R. Duncan, Kaira McAdams.