Twelve respiratory therapy students from Edgecombe Community College were honored during a recent pinning ceremony, marking completion of the educational requirements needed to sit for the national board exam and become registered respiratory therapists. The graduates will enter the healthcare field prepared to treat and support patients with cardiopulmonary diseases.

“This year’s class is truly exceptional,” said Tim King, program director and chair of the respiratory therapy program. “They have navigated shifts in modern healthcare protocols and demonstrated an unwavering commitment to both their studies and the well-being of their patients. Their ability to support one another through class, labs and clinical rotations shows they are not just knowledgeable clinicians, but deeply compassionate caregivers.”

Edgecombe-Martin County Electric Membership Corporation has donated $1,000 to the Edgecombe Community College Foundation to continue its annual scholarship. Two ECC students enrolled in the Engineering or Electrical Systems Technology programs will receive $500 each. “Engineering and Electrical Systems Technology are high-demand fields, and scholarships like this help our students gain the skills they need to succeed,” said Tameka Kenan-Norman, executive director of public information and institutional advancement.

Craig Woodall gets emotional when he thinks about how far he’s come. The Air Force veteran and former call center director has decided to branch out and pursue entrepreneurship. His work with the Small Business Center at Edgecombe Community College, along with developing and repeatedly testing a new device, has led to his selection as one of 18 entrepreneurs statewide chosen for the first Small Business Center Network Startup Showdown, powered by the Wells Fargo Foundation.