The RLC Radiologic Technology Class of 2021 includes, front row from left, Debra Compton (Tamaroa), Whitley Woolard (Harrisburg), Krissa Morris (Mt. Vernon), Alexandra Eisenhauer (Pinckneyville), Meagan Bowlin (Benton), Briana Meyer (Mt. Vernon), Delaney Oglesby (Raleigh), Bailey Schuette (Opdyke) and Mallory Rone (Thompsonville). In the back row, from left, are Emily Kovarik (Benton), Autumn Filkins (Benton), Elizabeth Quinn (Mt. Vernon), Morgan Saar (Harrisburg), Christy Toler (Du Quoin), Morgan Swigonski (Benton) and Jozlin Ziegler (Centralia).
INA, Ill. (May 7, 2021) - Soon-to-be graduates of Rend Lake College’s Radiologic Technology program celebrated their upcoming commencement and board examination with a Pinning Ceremony on Thursday morning in the RLC Theater.
The Class of 2021 students were offered words of encouragement and praise for their hard work and dedication. Radiologic Technology Program Director Holly Heisner said in her opening speech that this class will always be remembered as one that rose to the occasion amid ongoing changes that had to be made throughout the two year program due to COVID-19 restrictions. To complete the Associate in Applied Science in Radiologic Technology, the students had to complete 69.5 credit hours and 62 clinical competency hours as well as 153 clinical days, with a total of 1,224 hours. Heisner said the class was only robbed of 14 physical clinical days because of the pandemic.
“We made it work,†Heisner said. “We got here. We didn’t know at times if that goal post was going to have to be moved or if we were going to have to go longer into the summer. Everybody really buckled down the hours so we had the opportunity. And because of that we are here today.â€
Class speaker Emily Kovarik dressed fully in personal protection equipment (PPE) while delivering her speech. She said she is thankful for the support of family, friends and fellow classmates who helped each other along the way.
Emily Kovarik of Benton spoke about the challenges the RLC Class of 2021 Radiologic Technology students had to face during the program.
"The challenges that have come from this whole COVID journey are something that we can be proud to say we have endured and somewhat overcome,†she said. “From learning this foreign radiology language to living through a global pandemic, dealing with ‘mask-ne,’ becoming an online student to new levels of anxiety, I know we are ready for all this life has to throw at us.â€
There were two special awards given during the ceremony. Daniella Hewitt of Christopher was named the 2021 Most Outstanding Radiologic Technology Student. Krissa Morris of Mt. Vernon was named the Most Improved Student.
Krissa Morris of Mt. Vernon was awarded the Most Improved Radiologic Technology Student. Daniella Hewitt of Christopher (not pictured) was named the Most Outstanding Radiologic Technology Student for the Class of 2021.
Perfect classroom attendance awards were given to Alexandra Eisenhauer, Whitley Woolard and Jozlin Ziegler. Debra Compton was recognized for having perfect clinical attendance.
Perfect class attendant awardees include, from left, Alexandra Eisenhauer of Pinckneyville, Jozlin Ziegler of Centralia and Whitley Woolard of Harrisburg. Also pictured is Debra Compton of Tamaroa, who was recognized for perfect clinical attendance.
The Radiologic Technology Class of 2021 includes:
* Indicates members of the Lambda Nu Honor Society
Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, family and friends were not allowed to attend the pinning ceremony. The students were given an opportunity to show their gratitude to loved ones, friends, faculty members and each other for supporting them through the journey. These prewritten speeches were read while they walked across the stage to receiive their pins.
Learn more about the RLC Radiologic Technology program by visitng rlc.edu/radiology. A livestream of the pinning ceremony can also be viewed there.
More photos from the ceremony can be viewed here.
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