Northeastern Technical College (NETC) held the annual spring commencement at the college's Cheraw campus on May 15. During the ceremony 176 graduates from Marlboro, Dillon, and Chesterfield Counties were recognized for earning certificates, diplomas, and/or degrees completed in Spring 2025.

Dr. Natasha Williams, DNP, NP-C Family Nurse Practitioner and owner of Williams Health & Wellness Clinic of Cheraw was the keynote speaker for commencement, during which she talked about her own story, encouraging graduates to stand on their own truth and to do what it takes to move forward and succeed.

"I understand what it took to get here. I understand the tenacity it takes to make it this far," said Williams. "You don’t get this far by being weak. Stand proudly in front of those who supported you and even those nay-sayers who thought you couldn’t do it."

Williams encouraged students to take a moment to reflect on themselves, to look in the mirror and understand what it is that makes them unique and special. She reminded the graduates that they will continue to grow and to always remember where they came from.

"Remember where you came from, but always keep your eyes ahead towards where you are going,” she said. “If you feel like you are lacking, ask yourself what you have inside yourself right now that you can use to move forward and succeed."

Use the link below to find the full list of NETC graduates who were recognized and awarded degrees, certificates, or diplomas on May 15. The list is sorted by student's hometown, last name, and the degree, diploma, and/or certification(s) received.

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Northeastern Technical College (NETC) is proud to announce that Danielle Pace, Dean of Students, has completed the Corrections Education Leadership Academy (CELA), a national program run by the Vera Institute of Justice.

This one-year program helps leaders improve college programs for people in prison. It brings together education experts from across the country to learn new ways to support students who are incarcerated. The program includes video meetings, in-person events, and group projects.

Pace learned about many important topics, including how to make sure prison education is fair, how to choose strong education programs, and how to help students plan for careers after they leave prison. The program also focused on using data, budgeting for programs, and listening to student voices.

By finishing this program, Pace will bring new skills and ideas to NETC and its work with prison education in South Carolina. This training will help improve the quality of education for students in prison and give them better chances to succeed after release.

Xander Hamilton is a senior two-sport athlete at Chesterfield High, where he plays soccer while also participating on the Ram’s wrestling team. Soccer is his favorite sport of the two, and he has played on soccer teams since he was three years old. 

Hamilton has excelled in wrestling also; a sport he did not take up until he started high school. Hamilton has 98 career wins on his resume as a wrestler at Chesterfield High. 

After high school Xander is looking to continue playing soccer as a walk-on at the next level. He is currently considering Coastal Carolina, UNC-Wilmington, and the University of South Carolina. 

In the classroom, Hamilton carried a 3.8 GPA, while maintaining his online course load, and participated in two sports. Hamilton has a strong desire to play soccer at the next level.

Xander recently earned his Associate in Science at NETC’s Spring 2025 Commencement on May 15. For his education after high school, Xander has a strong desire to major in Marine Biology in college.

When asked the difficulty to enroll and take classes, he replied that “it was nice that courses were so easy to access and to complete the work.”

“The NETC online work helped me prep for college by “improving my ability to communicate, that made it easier for me to interact better with my teachers and professors.” The other advantage Xander noted by taking college level classes in high school, “it will help take away some of the stress of my first year.”

Marah Brock is a senior two-sport athlete at Chesterfield High, where she plays volleyball and softball.

Brock said she that while she enjoys volleyball, softball is her favorite sport. “Playing both sports helped prepare me for the other sport, both mentally and physically,” she said. “Another advantage of being a multi-sport athlete is that it keeps me a part of a team, working together, and having a schedule to maintain.”

In the classroom, she carried a 4.0 GPA, and she says that she plans to pursue Registered Nursing at the University of South Carolina.

Marah recently earned her Associate in Science at NETC’s Spring 2025 Commencement on May 15. She’s completed many basic requirements for freshman year and has taken key classes for her nursing major like Anatomy, Physiology, and Micro-Biology. 

When asked about what NETC did to help her, Brock said she’s “taken classes since the ninth grade which keeps her busy with the extra schoolwork, but it also helps with keeping good study habits and not “slacking off.”

“Overall, it was a good experience taking online courses through NETC,” said Brock. “Some courses were more challenging than others. It prepares you for what the college experience will be like, and what the set up will be like.” 

Another advantage of taking online courses through “NETC” is that it qualifies her for advanced placement once she enrolls in college.