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DARE Paramedic Academy celebrates second graduating class; students recognized for skills and service
Summary
The DARE Paramedic Academy held a graduation and coining ceremony honoring nine graduates who completed the condensed academy program; speakers emphasized partnerships, a reported 100% pass rate on state credentialing, and the responsibilities of paramedic practice.
The DARE Paramedic Academy held a graduation and coining ceremony where officials and instructors congratulated nine graduates who completed an intensive academy-style paramedic program. College of the Albemarle President Jack Bagwell and Dean of Health Sciences Robin Harris praised the graduates’ perseverance through what presenters described as a roughly 1,100–1,200 hour curriculum condensed into an academy format.
Dare County Manager Bobby Allen and Chief Jenny Collins of Dare County EMS highlighted the program’s role in addressing national and local paramedic staffing shortages and noted the value of training local personnel rather than relying solely on external hires. Collins described the academy model as a way to compress traditional 12– to 13-month training into seven to eight months without reducing quality and said both DARE and Currituck students have passed their state credentialing exams.
Student speaker Hunter Souter described the cohort’s teamwork and recounted being diagnosed with cancer during the program, saying the experience deepened empathy and resolve. Lead instructor Josh and other faculty were singled out for sustained instructional support; speakers noted clinical rotations at Outer Banks Hospital and Albemarle Medical Center and instruction from med-flight personnel and physicians.
College faculty presented awards, including top academic average to Kalista Louvros and specialty recognitions for several students. Cliff Beeman of COA explained the history and symbolism of challenge coins, which were presented to graduates as a token of camaraderie and service. Graduates also recited the EMS code of ethics and were formally recognized as certified paramedics.
Walter Meads, EMS program coordinator at COA, closed the ceremony by reiterating congratulations to the graduates, noting program completion and credentialing status, and providing exit instructions for the reception. The ceremony focused on recognition, professional responsibilities, and partnerships that supported the program; no formal civic votes or policy actions were taken.
