Presbyterian College’s Department of Education hosted the college’s first induction ceremony during commencement weekend to honor graduating seniors entering the teaching field.

Guest speaker Rona Neely, Laurens County School District 56 Teacher of the Year and a finalist for state Teacher of the Year, talked openly of her own path to the classroom – a road that meandered through family tragedy, her own poor choices, and grandparents who never lost hope in her promise.

Neely told the group of 18 future teachers that her past was actually a blessing as it allowed her to empathize with students who live in poverty. She said teachers might be a child’s only light.

 PC education graduates also took an oath for graduating educators proclaiming their dedication to the teaching profession.

Education graduates for 2007-08 are:

Carrie Elizabeth Andrews

Kara Shepard Bast

Jenny-Gray Ruffin Childs

Ann Leighton Coleman

Elizabeth Ashe Fortson

Amanda Hall Graves

Brittany Elizabeth Greer

Rachel Davonne Hardison

Emily Elizabeth Harstead

Amanda Kristin Judd

Aubrey Amick Kesecker

Ashley Nicole Kieffer

Mallie Bomar Littlejohn

Nicole Lee Mirti

Gwen Roberson

Casey Chevin Ross

Bridget Maree Takach

Sera Elizabeth Wood