Members of the 49th graduating class of the North Oaks School of Radiologic Technology celebrated their accomplishments with a ceremony and reception June 28.
Commencement was held in the E. Brent Dufreche Conference Center, located within North Oaks Diagnostic Center. Graduates included Nicolai Cannizzaro of Folsom; Cardell Dudley of Springfield; Kaylee Gough of Slidell; Elizabeth Hennington of Amite; Korey Hymel of Springfield; Megan Jacob of Kenner; Ansley Jarreau of Bogalusa; Kelsey Lee of Loranger; Brittany Moore of Greensburg; Hunter Moran of Hammond; and Chelsea Rogers of Pine.
North Oaks Health System’s Chief Human Resources Officer Jeff Jarreau presided over the ceremony that concluded two years of study for the students involving 2,000 clinical hours, more than 1,200 classroom hours, and more than 400 exams and quizzes.
The commencement address was delivered by Michele Sutton, president and chief executive officer of North Oaks Health System, who recounted the role that radiologic technologists played in her mother’s 13-year battle with cancer.
“Over the course of my mother’s battle with cancer, I observed some of the most precious moments in her and our lives,” Sutton shared. “She was given less than 90 days to live, but I truly believe that with the help of our radiology staff’s interactions with her – their confidence, positive attitude, compassion, and love – she was able to achieve the unimaginable. She beat all odds and lived a full 13 years. Her hopes became their hopes. She never felt alone in her war against cancer with her diagnostic ‘special forces’ team fighting by her side. Having a positive attitude is everything.”
Sutton continued, “Healthcare is a calling and a priceless gift. Every day and with every encounter, you get to make a difference through your kindness and compassion-- providing comfort, inspiring confidence, and bringing peace to your patients and their loved ones. Allow yourself the freedom to make mistakes, but grow from them and take time to achieve your dreams. Your future is what you make it!”
Prior to the presentation of diplomas by program director Marsha J. Talbert, outstanding achievement awards were given. The Academic Achievement Award was presented to Moran for obtaining the highest overall scholastic average. The Performance and Attitude Award for exceptional performance in the clinical setting was given to Jacob. Dr. Rodney Taylor presented the Dannye Young Taylor “Always Remembering Others Award,” named in honor of his wife, to Dudley in recognition of his outstanding patient care skills.
In addition, Cannizzaro, Gough, Jacob, Jarreau, and Moran were recognized as members of Lambda Nu, a national honor society for the radiologic and imaging sciences. To become a member, one must maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average out of a possible 4.0.
Established in 1967, the North Oaks School of Radiologic Technology is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). The school offers a comprehensive 24-month program that provides classroom and clinical instruction to prepare students for careers in the field of diagnostic imaging, which is used to diagnose and treat diseases and injuries. Upon graduation, students are eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) National Certification examination and apply for Louisiana state licensure.