Florence-Darlington Technical College graduating one of its largest classes ever
FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW) — More than 800 students are graduating from Florence-Darlington Technical College next week — an historically high mark that officials hope will put skilled workers into the region’s economy.
In all, 809 students will take part in a May 9 commencement ceremony at 6 p.m. the Florence Center: Among them, 459 are receiving associate’s degrees, 106 are claiming diplomas and 244 will be awarded certificates.
Additionally, 21 students from the school’s Early College Academy will be honored.
“We have more than 800 students that will graduate this year with the opportunity to obtain a family-sustaining wage or proceed to the next step in their educational journey,” college president Jermaine Ford said in a news release.
Angelica Garcia, the mother of a 5-year-old, are among those set to walk across the stage. She earned a degree from the college’s paralegal program.
“Coming back to school as a parent, it’s been tough,” she said. “The classes have been flexible. My professors have been flexible and, being a parent, you never know what’s going to happen. You have to expect the unexpected. The school and my professor and the support staff, all have been great. Truly, they made it possible.”
Florence-Darlington Technical College was established in 1963 and serves Darlington, Florence and Marion counties.
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Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here.
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