For LaToya Hunter, Tuesday night’s graduation from Ogeechee Technical College was worth the wait.
    Hunter served two tours of duty in Iraq with the Army Reserves in between her efforts to obtain her Early Childhood Care and Education diploma from the school. Despite the interruptions, Hunter was able to earn her diploma as both an Honor Roll Graduate and National Technical Honor Society member.
    “It’s one goal that I’ve accomplished in my life,” Hunter said.
    She was one of 450 students who received degrees, diplomas or certificates at Ogeechee Technical College’s fall graduation, held at Georgia Southern’s Performing Arts Center.
    “Hunter credited God, her family and friends for giving her the support and drive she needed to finish school.
    Also graduating Tuesday night was Jeremy Bynes with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Network Specialist.
    “I’m just speechless,” he said. “I’ve finally got my Associate’s degree. All my hard work was not in vain.”
    In addition to his degree, Bynes also earned three certificates, scoring higher on the national certification tests than even his instructor did.
    “It feels awesome to have surpassed my instructor,” he said. “But it also lets them know their hard work was not in vain and that we’re learning how to apply what they’ve taught us.”
    Bynes said he’s had several job offers with different companies already. His ultimate goal is to become an entrepreneur and own his own business. To do that, he plans on attending Georgia Southern to get both his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree.
    “This is pay day,” said Randall Peters, interim President of Ogeechee Technical College. “This is the pay off not only for the students, but also for the faculty, to see all their hard work and effort come to this.”
    Charlene Lamar, vice president of student services, said Tuesday’s graduation was the culmination of a lot of hard work by both the faculty and students.
    “That’s what we’re all about,” she said. “We’re the part that helps them reach their dreams. They’re the ones who do it all.”
    The keynote speaker for the event was Ron Jackson, interim commissioner for the Georgia Department of Technical and Adult Education. He told the graduates to run hard after their goals.
    “Don’t be afraid to take a chance,” he told them.
    This Fall’s graduation also saw the first graduates from the Endoscopy Tech program as well as the Computed Tomography (CT) Specialist.
    Luke Martin can be reached at  (912) 489-9454.