Meridian Community College students who received their pins at the 2024 paramedic pinning ceremony last week include, front row from left, Shay Hundley, Erin Bynum and Courtney Walker and, back row from left, Logan Wilcher, Chris Lunsford, Adam Wilcher and Aaron Graham.

Meridian Community College celebrated seven students for their achievements last week as the described soon-to-be healthcare heroes received their pins at the 2024 Paramedic Pinning Ceremony.

Students Erin Bynum, Aaron Graham, Shay Hundley, Chris Lunsford, Courtney Walker, Adam Wilcher and Logan Wilcher received certificates and pins during the ceremony that marked the culmination of months of training.

Graham was recognized for his highest class average and he credited many for his success.

“I want to thank my wonderful wife and awesome children,” he said. “My wife took on a lot more with me being gone for 90% of the year.”

He also thanked his children. “They put up with my absence. I hope they know Daddy did it for them.”

Paramedics are advanced providers of emergency medical care. They build on their EMT education and learn more skills such as giving medicines, starting intravenous lines, providing advanced airway management and learning to revitalize and support patients with significant problems such as heart attacks and traumas.

Meridian Community College houses the state’s first Emergency Medical Science Academy, which includes all of the college’s Emergency Medical Technician and paramedic courses, clinical experiences and EMS testing. The academy teaches EMS students of all levels.

Samantha Gellatly is the lead instructor for the MCC program; Autumn Mize is the instructor.