TCAT-Henry/Carroll at McKenzie Holds Fall Graduation

McKENZIE (December 18) — The Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Henry/Carroll at McKenzie held its fall graduation Wednesday afternoon at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, where 18 graduates received diplomas in their respective fields.

The commencement began with the traditional processional to “Pomp and Circumstance”, followed by an invocation by HVAC instructor Darrell Pittman.

Next, graduate Brantley Nanney, the TCAT-Henry/Carroll Skills USA president, welcomed all and gave a summary of students’ accomplishments for the year, including the first election of SkillsUSA officers in McKenzie since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nanney said, “Even though this is our first time in these roles, we’ve been successful in what we have accomplished. Whether it is in school, out of school, or in collaboration with our counterparts in Paris, we’ve worked together to make TCAT-McKenzie something more than just school.”

He listed numerous events, activities and projects benefiting the community and promoting TCAT.

Nanney concluded, “Personally, SkillsUSA changed my life and has led me to meet great people and have great opportunities.” On behalf of his fellow McKenzie Skills Officers, he thanked advisors Brittany Twilbeek, Zak Crider and Dr. Jan Latimer.

John Penn Ridgeway, president of TCAT-Henry/Carroll, introduced the keynote speaker, Leslie Henegar. Henegar is the executive director of the Paris-Henry County Chamber of Commerce and a TCAT alum.

She advised the graduates to recognize the investment of many other people to get them to where they are. She also reminded them that they are “a walking resume” and that “people will remember how you made them feel. She recommended conducting everyday and treating every person you meet “as though you were interviewing for your next job.” She emphasized kindness and gratitude as well as investing in community.

She concluded, “And don’t forget to tell folks about your wonderful experiences here at TCAT and the way this program has blessed your life. The foundational business skills that I learned at TCAT have been used throughout my entire professional career, and I firmly believe I’m a stronger leader and employee because of my time at TCAT.”

The graduates were then presented by Brittany Twilbeck, student services counselor, and diplomas were conferred by President Ridgeway and the program instructors.

The 20 graduates (with two not present) were:

Administrative Office Technology - Felicia Hilliard (Huntingdon).

Automotive Technology - Jonathan Fuentes (Union City).

HVAC/Refrigeration - Braylon Tharpe (Greenfield), Darrin Kimmons (Gleason) and John Weaver (McLemoresville).

Industrial Maintenance Integrated Automation - Mason Arant (Dresden), Kylan Borneman (Gleason), Devyn Kerney (Martin) and Brennen Willis (Milan).

Information Technology Systems Management - Cameron Mason (Jackson) and Clissa Williams (Greenfield).

Machine Tool Technology - Dusty Griffin (Milan).

Welding Technology (McKenzie Campus) - Dalton Hatley (McKenzie), Jack Johnston (McKenzie), Brantley Nanney (Lexington) and Jacob Welch (Huntingdon).

Welding Technology (Dresden Campus) - Ashton Dick (Dresden), Remington Sheffield (Sharon), Jamison Simmons (Martin) and Dayton Todd (Martin).