The achievements of 27 new dental assistants and paramedics were celebrated at two separate graduation ceremonies at Illinois Valley Community College on July 23.

Twelve graduates of the expanded functions dental assisting program participated in the pinning ceremony, which featured graduate Sarah Kruswicki as a speaker. Graduates of IVCC’s program have completed advanced training to perform additional functions.

Graduates were Valery Arzaga, Ava Currie, Araceli Diaz, Hannah Ernat, Arianna Garcia, Avi Heess, Mickie Herzog, Sarah Kruswicki, Kaley Schiltz, Fiona Wempe, Trinity Wrobleski, and Mya Zavada.

Fifteen students graduated from the paramedic program in ceremonies which were also held that evening. Graduate Roger Garrett and Kelly Wasilewski, manager of the Ottawa Regional EMS System, were featured speakers, and IVCC’s EMS Program Coordinator Nick Fish distributed commemorative challenge coins to graduates.

Graduates were Nicholas Barrett, Kyle Camatti, Jonathon Carroll, Emmy Cunico, Austin Eby, Ryan Gage, Roger Garrett, Allen Harlan, John Klag, Mason Koch, Brian Ksiazak, Jordan Mitchell, Jackson Novak, Francis Przekwas, and Jessica Smith.