Somerset Community College hosts signing ceremony for graduates

Apr. 26—While schools host signing ceremonies for athletes, that practice has extended to other entities.

For the first time since 2019, Somerset Community College on April 10 hosted its "Going Pro" signing ceremony that honors graduates who have or have already secured a job through its training programs.

This year, 49 students from SCC's Laurel, Casey, Clinton, McCreary and Russell campuses were celebrated.

"Today's ceremony is a testament to the hard work, dedication and resilience of our graduates," said SCC President Dr. Carey Castle. "They've overcome challenges, pursued excellence, and are now ready to embark on the next chapter of their professional journeys."

Four Laurel County businesses were involved in the program. Baxter North America (formerly Truitt Bros. in East Bernstadt), Highlands Diversified, Symbiosis Media Group and Martin's Peterbilt welcomed their employees who have earned degrees that will benefit their companies.

—Jonathan Day from London was welcomed by Baxter's North America, which is a trucking and distribution company formerly operating as Truitt Bros. Day received an Associate degree as Advanced Manufacturing Technician.

—Highlands Diversified recognized Avery Jones for completing her degree that will benefit operations for this London business in Industrial Maintenance.

—Melody Smith received an A.A.S. in Visual Communications: Multimedia and will join the team with Greg Kitzmiller's group, Symbiosis.

—Max Bendschneider and Nick Lunsford will continue in an expanded capacity at Martin's Peterbilt, where they have been employed for 2 1/2 years. They are now certified diesel mechanics.

Anna Smith was the first employee hired at Truitt Bros. and has continued her employment with Baxter North America. She was present for the Going Pro event and praised the college for honoring its graduates for their hard work.

Logan Johnson and Cody Spence said Bendschneider and Lunsford's journey to receiving their degree involved working full time and attending college classes at night.

"They will be doing maintenance on road trucks," Johnson said. "We have at least three other SCC students working for us now."

Bendschneider said the road to his achievement hasn't been an easy one.

"I just wanted to further my knowledge," he said.

Lunsford said the achievement came with "a lot of late nights and early mornings" while he held down his job from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., then took classes from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Johnson said the training program involved computer programs.

"Nearly everything in maintenance on a truck is on computer now," he said. "You have to know everything from computer programs to hand tools."