Carthage ISD held their first-ever EMT Program Induction Ceremony on Thursday evening in partnership with Panola College for students pursuing a career in public service as emergency medical technicians.
The EMT Program is a new dual-credit partnership between Carthage ISD and Panola College to help prepare students to continue their education in preparation for a career in health science and the healthcare industry. The ceremony celebrated the first Carthage ISD students to be a part of the partnership program with Panola College.
“It is an incredible partnership for us as a district and one that we know provides many advanced opportunities for our students and provides for the betterment of the Carthage community,” said Superintendent Jarrod Bitter.
“It is something that we know is going to make a difference inside of this community and in your lives, and we know that you’ll do great things as you move on from this program,” continued Bitter.
The ceremony featured opening remarks from High School Principal Justin Smith, insight on being a first responder by Carthage Fire Marshal Randy Liedtke, highlights of the dual credit program from Panola College’s Dual Credit Director Angie Musgrove and EMS Instructor Miranda Hagans, and insight on the impact of CTE programs by Deputy Superintendent Tim Rocka. The ceremony also featured student remarks on the EMT program by Nayeli Servin.
“I want you all to understand that you are really setting a legacy for people to follow,” said Smith. “This is the first group that we have going through, and we’re just so proud of the path that you all are setting for others to follow.”
Liedtke detailed how his department works closely with healthcare professionals and highlighted the benefits of helping people in the healthcare industry to students and their families and friends in attendance.
“We have 46 volunteers, but we work very closely with our EMS provider here in Panola County and in the City of Carthage. We could not do what we do without the many volunteers that we have that step up and help,” said Liedtke. “So, it’s just exciting and refreshing to look out and see you getting involved.”
Panola College’s Angie Musgrove and Miranda Hagans discussed the growth of dual credit programs and some of the challenges that students can expect as part of continuing their education in the EMT program.
“The EMT journey that you are embarking on is not an easy one, and it’s not one to take lightly,” said Musgrove.
“I want you to understand that there are no shortcuts,” continued Musgrove. “There’s no taking steps out. You have to handle things when they’re in front of you.”
“This is the first time we are offering this as dual credit, and I’m super excited because something you may not know is that nationally we are short on EMTs and paramedics,” Hagans.
Rocka talked to those in attendance about the formation of the partnership between Carthage ISD and Panola College for the EMT program, as well as the potential opportunities for students in the industry as they begin their careers.
“No matter where you go, you will find the health sciences in large demand, not just in demand, but in pay,” explained Rocka. “It is one of those occupational areas that has endless career potential for you students, where you really can make as much money as you want to make.”
Carthage ISD students recognized at the induction ceremony, each of which have been accepted into the Panola College EMT program, include Kaylee Ackerman, Samantha Adams, Kayla Bonner, Melissa Camacho, Cole Campbell, Hailey Compton, Daniela Farias, Kenni Fleets, Michelle Gonzalez, Cy Howsmon, Luisa Jaramillo, Aliyah Jeter, Jesse Lawhorn, Aubrey Mattheis, Kaden McAlister, Javanna McNiel, Vivianna Olivera, Jolee Polk, Ivy Rodriguez, Jovie Rounsavall, Habeeb Saheb, Mariam Saheb, Mallory Tutt, Kimberly Valerio, Na’Chavia Williams, Abi Jasso, Catelyn Franklin, Alec Molloy and Nayeli Servin.
Servin provided student remarks before the closing acknowledgements, telling those in attendance about the impact the EMT program has had on her life already and how it provided her a head start in college as well as her career.
“Today I stand before you to show the start of something new, a journey that began when this EMT program was integrated into our schedules,“ said Servin. “This program has not only started equipping me with essential life saving skills, but has also fundamentally changed my life in profound ways.”
“I am truly excited to embark on this journey with my fellow classmates, knowing that we can have a positive impact on our community and the world at large,” said Servin.