Wayne Community College’s 2026 Medical Laboratory Technology and Medical Assisting graduates were honored at a pinning ceremony held on campus.
Fifteen Medical Assisting graduates and nine Medical Laboratory Technology graduates received graduation stoles and pins to signify their new status as healthcare professionals.
WCC Medical Laboratory Technology Program Director Cole Eslyn encouraged the graduates to remember that their careers can change lives. “You have chosen professions that are essential to the foundation of healthcare,” she said. “Together, your roles form a vital bridge between science and compassion.”
WCC Medical Assisting Program Director Heather Odom commended the graduates on entering a new chapter. “Tonight marks not just the completion of your program but the beginning of a meaningful and impactful career. We are incredibly proud of your hard work and dedication,” she said.
Medical Assisting graduate McKenna Bailey reflected on the class’s challenges and success during the ceremony. “Many of us balanced work, family, and academic responsibilities all at once,” Bailey shared. “There were times when it felt overwhelming, when giving up may have seemed easier, but we didn’t. We showed up, we pushed through, and together, we overcame.”
Skye Britton, Medical Laboratory Technology graduate, acknowledged the class’s hard work and support of one another. “I’m so proud of the growth that everyone has made,” Britton said. “I’m so grateful that I got to grow alongside you all.”
Awards were given to students who excelled in the programs’ academic and clinical components. Each recipient was awarded a plaque during the ceremony.
The Academic Excellence Award was earned by a student in each program with the highest grade point average upon completion of their program, recognizing exceptional academic achievement, dedication, and perseverance. Ava Alvarado received the award for Medical Assisting, and Clarissa Castrogiovanni was the recipient for Medical Laboratory Technology.
The Clinical Excellence Award was given to students who excelled during the clinical practicum portion of their program and demonstrated outstanding performance in the laboratory setting. This award was given to Briseyda Contreras Gonzalez for Medical Assisting and Curtisha Boseman for Medical Laboratory Technology.
The graduates and their programs, listed by city of residence, are:
Clayton
Jastine Priester, Medical Assisting
Dudley
Briseyda Contreras Gonzalez, Medical Assisting
Veronica Cruz, Medical Assisting
Faison
Ava Alvarado, Medical Assisting
Goldsboro
Curtisha D. Boseman, Medical Laboratory Technology
Skye M. Britton, Medical Laboratory Technology
Clarissa Castrogiovanni, Medical Laboratory Technology
Ragline Cina, Medical Assisting
Daleshia Hutcherson, Medical Assisting
Derlie Ismenord, Medical Assisting
Merline Ismenord, Medical Assisting
Shauna Lesene, Medical Assisting
Emily Poppe, Medical Assisting
Kenly
Tabitha Kiragu, Medical Laboratory Technology
Mount Olive
Cynthia G. Tijerina, Medical Laboratory Technology
Pikeville
Kassandra Ayala, Medical Laboratory Technology
McKenna Bailey, Medical Assisting
Destiny Cook, Medical Assisting
Carina LeRoy, Medical Assisting
Princeton
Abbie G. Henderson, Medical Laboratory Technology
Seven Springs
Edilia Mejia-Morales, Medical Assisting
Wilson
Ashley H. Brown, Medical Laboratory Technology
Maya Edwards, Medical Laboratory Technology
Madyson Lucas, Medical Assisting
WCC’s Medical Laboratory Technology associate-degree program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. Graduates may take the national certification examination given by the American Society for Clinical Pathology.
The College’s Medical Assisting program offers an associate degree or certificate, with graduates of the degree program becoming eligible to take the American Association of Medical Assistants’ Certification Examination. The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
Both are limited-admission programs. Learn more about Medical Laboratory Technology and Medical Assisting on WCC’s website.
About Wayne Community College
Wayne Community College is a public, learning-centered institution with an open-door admission policy located in Goldsboro, N.C. As it works to develop a highly skilled and competitive workforce, the college serves around 10,000 individuals annually as well as businesses, industry, and community organizations with high quality, affordable, accessible learning opportunities, including more than 150 college credit programs. WCC’s mission is to meet the educational, training, and cultural needs of the communities it serves.