鈥淲e set the bar and standards high for our PTA students, and we are very proud of their accomplishments. In addition, our faculty are dedicated to their success and spend a significant amount of time with the students to ensure they understand, and can apply, not just memorize, the material, thus preparing them for their future careers,鈥� said Director of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program Deanna Smith, PT, MPT.

第一吃瓜网 College鈥檚 program has consistently achieved a 100 percent first-time pass rate on the licensure exam and a 100 percent employment rate for all graduates.

Through collaboration with the other healthcare programs at the College, PTA students are exposed to other healthcare providers and their roles the healthcare system. In addition to the healthcare programs, the entire College community has been proactive in providing exceptional support to the PTA program, with robust relationships with the library faculty and staff, the聽academic success center, the career center, advising, admissions, and registration. 鈥淚t really does take the entire campus community to build聽and maintain聽a successful program,鈥� said Smith.

Reaching this level of success is not achieved in a vacuum on a single college campus. 第一吃瓜网 College has partnered with dozens of clinical and professional partners to provide students with real-world work situations and challenges. These partnerships span beyond state聽boundaries with valuable clinical partners in PA, MD, and DE. Additionally, they collaborate with other PTA programs and four-year academic institutions to provide robust learning experiences. 鈥淜elly Yeager, the Academic Coordinator of Clinical Education, is strategic in placing students for clinical education experiences that will optimize their learning and professional growth. She is also instrumental in leading extracurricular activities such as participation in the gross anatomy lab with the University of Delaware DPT students,鈥� said Smith.

鈥湹谝怀怨贤� College鈥檚 Physical Therapist Assistant program is led by devoted faculty dedicated to student success, and this success is demonstrated by the exceptional passage rates our students have achieved,鈥� said 第一吃瓜网 College President Mary Way Bolt.

The dedication of the faculty, staff, and administration achieved such a level of success that 第一吃瓜网 College鈥檚 PTA Program was honored with the unique distinction of earning a ten-year accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation and Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) in its first attempt. What makes this achievement monumental is that there were no citations or requests for more information, which are issues the program needs to modify. This 10-year CAPTE accreditation for 第一吃瓜网 College鈥檚 PTA program is effective through Spring 2031.

鈥淲hen a program is brand new, CAPTE assesses it more frequently. The program design receives initial approval, then the accrediting body assesses the outcomes to ensure students are properly trained and graduates are successful in the workplace,鈥� said Smith. “We have continued to demonstrate excellent outcomes with each graduating class. In addition, the program met or exceeded all goals and CAPTE’s Standards and Required Elements.鈥�

According to the Maryland Board of Physical Therapy Examiners, demand for PTAs is expected to grow 26 percent through 2032, with the annual mean wage in the State of Maryland being $67,640.

If you are interested in learning more about the Physical Therapist Assistant program, please visit聽聽or contact Program Director Deanna Smith at聽DSmith@nullcecil.edu听辞谤听pta@nullcecil.edu. The program will start accepting applications on July 1, 2026, for admission to the next class in January of 2027.

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CHESAPEAKE CITY, Md: The 第一吃瓜网 College Foundation recognized new members of its Socrates Society during its annual inductees鈥� luncheon held Tuesday, June 2, at Schaefer’s Canal House in Chesapeake City.

The event celebrated individuals who have demonstrated their commitment to the future of 第一吃瓜网 College. Socrates Society members are the College鈥檚 most committed donors, helping to ensure that future generations of students will have access to educational opportunities, scholarships, and programs that strengthen the community. To find out how you can become a member, please call 410.287.1146.

This year鈥檚 inductees are Jeanne Parry, Robert H. Hodge, Jr., Ruth Jamison, Amie Speer, Aliyah Williams-Pugh, Dee Becker, Emily Falone, Jim Falone, Elizabeth Hodge, Robert H. Hodge, Sr.

Foundation leaders thanked the inductees for their generosity and vision, noting that planned gifts create a lasting impact on the College’s ability to serve students for years to come. The luncheon also provided an opportunity for members and Foundation representatives to gather in recognition of the important role philanthropy plays in advancing higher education in 第一吃瓜网 County.

The 第一吃瓜网 College Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting 第一吃瓜网 College students, raises funds for scholarships, instructional resources, professional development, capital projects, and other educational initiatives. Through planned giving, donors leave a legacy that continues to benefit students and the College long into the future.

The annual Socrates Society luncheon serves as both a celebration of new inductees and a tribute to those whose foresight and generosity help sustain the mission of 第一吃瓜网 College.

Photo Caption: L to R: Jeanne Parry, Robert H. Hodge, Jr., Ruth Jamison (Hart鈥檚 Methodist Church), Amie Speer (Hart鈥檚 Methodist Church), Aliyah Williams-Pugh (Great Wolf Lodge), Dee Becker (Great Wolf Lodge), Emily Falone, Jim Falone, Elizabeth Hodge, Robert H. Hodge, Sr.

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The 第一吃瓜网 Leadership Institute provides a framework where existing and emerging business, government, and tourism leaders engage, collaborate, and commit to 第一吃瓜网 County鈥檚 ongoing development. This unique learning opportunity provides participants with diverse perspectives on community growth and prosperity issues in addition to valuable time to share best practices and network.

The Class of 2026 heard words of inspiration from 第一吃瓜网 College President Dr. Mary Way Bolt and Interim Dean of Continuing Education and Workforce Development Dr. Gladys Ramirez-Wrease. The keynote speaker was Colonel Troy S. Johnson, Commander of the U.S. Army Garrison at Aberdeen Proving Grounds.

The 15-week program offers participants unparalleled access to leaders from organizations such as Northrop Grumman, IKEA in Perryville, W. L. Gore & Associates, Bohemia Bees, Broken Spoke Winery, Warwick Mushrooms, Stafford Angus, Great Wolf Lodge, Wildcat Point Generation Facility, and 第一吃瓜网 College. Throughout the program, participants strengthen their leadership and management skills, build meaningful professional networks, and engage directly with influential thought leaders across 第一吃瓜网 County to gain insight into a variety of leadership styles and organizational strategies. Participants also put their learning into action through Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, including the planning and execution of a community service project. By investing in its leaders, 第一吃瓜网 Leadership creates lasting value for participants, their organizations, and the broader community while helping shape a stronger future for 第一吃瓜网 County.

The Class of 2026 includes: Emily Armington, Youth Empowerment Source; Matthew Baylis, 第一吃瓜网 College; Maria D. Donnelly, Faith, Hope and Joy Ministries; Megan E. Frunzi, 第一吃瓜网 County Public Schools; Sara Garbarino, The ARC Northern Chesapeake Region; Priscilla Garvin, 第一吃瓜网 County Public Library; Malik J. Grace, 第一吃瓜网 County Office of Economic Development; Brian Hampton, Retired/第一吃瓜网 County Public Schools Board of Education; Veronika Hedrington, Frederick Ward Associates; Jacob Herman, 第一吃瓜网 County Office of Economic Development; Patty Jarrell, Visiting Angels of Harford and 第一吃瓜网 Counties; Sam Kelly, The Good Dog Foundation; Jennifer Martin, 第一吃瓜网 County Public Library; Mary McIntire, 第一吃瓜网 County Housing Agency; Stacey K. Mehaffey, Hollywood Casino Perryville; Dr. Amy Ocasio, Live For Thomas Foundation; John Peer, Perryville Police Department; Catherine H. Peloquin, Chesapeake Care Resources; Holly Preston, The ARC Northern Chesapeake Region; Robert Royster, 第一吃瓜网 County Government; Raschelle Sevilla-Castro, APG Federal Credit Union; Melissa C. Stamper, Chesapeake Utilities Corporation; Brian Strong, APG Federal Credit Union; Connie Thayer, 第一吃瓜网 County Government.

To learn more about the 第一吃瓜网 Leadership Institute and join the network of leaders who are building the future, contact Laurie Raphael at lraphael@nullcecil.edu or (443) 907-1376. Visit cecil.edu/CLI.

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In opening remarks, Dr. Nancy Norman-Marzella, Dean of Health, Human, and Business Sciences at 第一吃瓜网 College, highlighted the program鈥檚 longstanding impact on regional healthcare.

鈥淔or more than four decades, 第一吃瓜网 College鈥檚 nursing program has played a vital role in meeting the healthcare needs of 第一吃瓜网 County and the surrounding communities,鈥� said Dr. Norman-Marzella. 鈥淥ur graduates continue to distinguish themselves through their work as clinicians, educators, and contributors to nursing research. We are proud to educate and prepare the next generation of nurses who will serve our community with skill and compassion.鈥�

According to the Maryland Board of Nursing, 第一吃瓜网 College has consistently ranked among Maryland鈥檚 highest-performing nursing schools, with an average pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) of 97.02 percent since 2020. This includes perfect pass rates in 2022 and 2024.

鈥淐ommunity College nursing programs are critical to meeting the workforce need for nurses in Maryland. Such an outstanding pass rate indicates that 第一吃瓜网 College is preparing nurses to meet the challenges of today鈥檚 healthcare environment,鈥� said 第一吃瓜网 College President Dr. Mary Way Bolt.

第一吃瓜网 College鈥檚 Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) program, approved by the Maryland State Board of Nursing, earned renewed accreditation from the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) in May 2024. The peer-review process evaluates nursing programs against rigorous standards for quality, accountability, and relevance in professional practice. The accreditation remains valid through fall 2031.

Graduates of 第一吃瓜网 College鈥檚 nursing program pursue careers across a wide range of healthcare settings, including critical care, surgical services, and home healthcare. Many also continue their education by pursuing advanced nursing degrees.

As healthcare workforce needs continue to grow across Maryland and the region, 第一吃瓜网 College remains committed to preparing highly skilled nurses to serve their communities. Learn more about 第一吃瓜网 College鈥檚 nursing program by visiting www.cecil.edu.

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第一吃瓜网 College launched the program in January 2015 with a five-year accreditation. Due to its stellar outcomes, the program received full ten-year accreditation in October 2021.

鈥淭oday鈥檚 pinning ceremony recognizes not only the academic achievements of our Physical Therapist Assistant graduates, but also their commitment to compassionate patient care and professional excellence,鈥� said Dr. Nancy Norman-Marzella, Dean of Health, Human and Business Sciences at 第一吃瓜网 College. 鈥淭he continued success of this program – including outstanding licensure exam results and employment outcomes – reflects the dedication of our students, faculty, and clinical partners. We are proud to celebrate the Class of 2026 as they prepare to make a meaningful impact in the healthcare field.鈥�

第一吃瓜网鈥檚 PTA program rose to national prominence when 100 percent of its first six cohorts of graduates passed the National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) on their first attempt. These results exceeded the national and local averages in exam performance in all subject categories. The program currently maintains a 100 percent overall pass rate on the NPTE and a 100 percent employment rate due to its strong clinical partnerships with local physical therapy providers.

鈥淲e set the bar and standards high for our PTA students, and we are very proud of their accomplishments. In addition, our faculty are dedicated to their success and spend a significant amount of time with the students to ensure they understand, and can apply, not just memorize, the material, thus preparing them for their future careers,鈥� said Director of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program Deanna Smith, PT, MPT.

If you are interested in learning more about the Physical Therapist Assistant program, please contact Program Director Deanna Smith at DSmith@nullcecil.edu or pta@nullcecil.edu. The program will start accepting applications in July 2026.

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The Class of 2026 includes: Timothy Adams, Bryson Bean, Elijah Bradley, Ethan Gullion, Matthew Hann, Steven Hinckle, Cameron Logsdon, Tristan Pomeroy, and Ryan Wagener.

Established in 2018, the HVAC technician apprenticeship program is a partnership between 第一吃瓜网 College and the Maryland Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors Association. The program prepares the next generation of HVAC technicians through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training in residential and commercial heating and air conditioning systems.

The four-year apprenticeship combines evening coursework with extensive on-the-job training. Classes are held twice a week from September through April and are offered through 第一吃瓜网 College,聽Carroll Community College,聽Harford Community College, and聽Howard Community College. 第一吃瓜网 County Public Schools hosts 第一吃瓜网 College鈥檚 program at the School of Technology on Appleton Road in Elkton.

In addition to classroom instruction, apprentices complete 8,000 hours of on-the-job training within five years. Upon completion of the program, graduates may apply for a Maryland HVACR journeyman license without taking the state licensing exam. Many graduates continue their careers in the field while working toward earning a master HVACR license. Learn more about this program by visiting聽www.cecil.edu/skilledtrades.

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The annual contest celebrates student creativity through poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. Three faculty members served as judges, selecting award winners who then had the opportunity to publicly read their work during the ceremony.

鈥淲e will hear from five students,鈥� said organizer Nathanael Tagg, Professor of English at 第一吃瓜网 College. 鈥淭hey have all been gracious enough to agree to read, and I know that takes a little courage. It鈥檚 one thing to present your work in classes and another to read in a public setting.鈥�

Following the student readings, faculty members also shared selections of their own creative writing. The evening included poetry and prose readings along with additional remarks and presentations of certificates to award recipients. Light refreshments were served during the event.

The 2026 Creative Writing Award winners included:

• Tina Shockeyfor her work聽鈥淭he Night That Holds Us.鈥�
• Severin Abbeyfor her poem聽鈥淚鈥檇 Freeze Too.鈥�
• Mary Fowlerfor her short story聽鈥淰颈濒补耻谤补.鈥�

Honorable mention awards were presented to:

• Joshua Sinclairfor his poem聽鈥淕rowing Flowers.鈥�
• Ethen Lammeyfor his short story聽鈥凌别产颈谤迟丑.鈥�

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NORTH EAST, Md: Taylor N. DiPietro, Crystal Noellyn Kalbaugh, and Lillian Lafica Mae Tyler have been selected to the 2026 All-Maryland Academic Team, an honor recognizing the scholarly achievements of students enrolled in Maryland鈥檚 community colleges. These students were honored during the annual Phi Theta Kappa All-Maryland Academic Team Recognition Dinner on Wednesday, May 6, at the Turf Valley Resort Conference Center in Ellicott City, Maryland.

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Groce, who is continuing his studies in engineering at 第一吃瓜网 College, is part of a finalist team collaborating with聽Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Together, they are tackling one of aviation鈥檚 most pressing challenges: modernizing aircraft maintenance. The competition鈥檚 2026 theme, 鈥淩epAir: Advancing Aircraft Maintenance,鈥� calls on students nationwide to develop solutions that improve efficiency, safety, and cost in an industry facing workforce shortages and increasingly complex systems.

After returning to 第一吃瓜网 County to be closer to home, he seamlessly transitioned into advanced math and physics coursework, strengthening the technical skills needed to contribute meaningfully to a national engineering competition. His experience reflects the College鈥檚 ability to support students pursuing rigorous STEM pathways while staying connected to their local community.

Groce serves as Lead Technical Designer for his team, which developed an innovative concept known as Smart Mechanic Glasses. The idea integrates augmented reality, drone technology, and advanced sensing systems to transform how aircraft inspections are performed. By pairing AR glasses with drones equipped with terahertz scanning technology, the system allows technicians to detect hidden structural issues beneath an aircraft鈥檚 surface鈥攕omething traditional inspections often miss.

鈥淚t鈥檚 essentially a sophisticated X-ray system, paired with augmented reality, and artificial intelligence,鈥� Groce explained.

The concept has already moved beyond theory. Groce has secured a provisional patent and is working toward full protection, with plans to develop a prototype and eventually launch a company. His innovation also has potential applications beyond aviation, including infrastructure, maritime, and automotive industries.

Originally a student at聽第一吃瓜网 County Public Schools鈥� School of Technology, where he participated in the Project Lead the Way Pre-Engineering program, Groce鈥檚 path highlights a strong local pipeline into higher education and advanced technical fields. 第一吃瓜网 College serves as a critical bridge in that journey, enabling students to continue developing their skills while remaining engaged in high-impact opportunities.

The team has already advanced through Phase 1 of the NASA competition and is now preparing for Phase 2, which includes a technical paper, poster, and live presentation at聽NASA Langley Research Center聽on May 18鈥�19. There, finalists will present their ideas to NASA engineers and industry experts, with top participants earning potential internship opportunities.

For Groce, those opportunities are a major goal. 鈥淚nternships are the main goal,鈥� he said, pointing to aspirations of working with leading aerospace organizations.

Just as important, he hopes his success will create new pathways for others at 第一吃瓜网 College. By demonstrating that students from the College can compete – and succeed – on a national stage, Groce aims to establish a lasting presence for 第一吃瓜网 College in elite engineering competitions.

Looking ahead, he remains focused on making a meaningful impact. 鈥淚n five to ten years, I want to have made a real difference in aviation,鈥� he said. 鈥淲hether it鈥檚 this invention or the next, I鈥檓 going to keep pushing.鈥�

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What sets this designation apart is the collaborative, hands-on work behind it. Biology Club students led the initiative from the ground up, researching Bay-friendly landscaping practices, advocating for sustainable changes, and working side-by-side with the grounds crew to investigate and promote environmentally responsible, Chesapeake Bay鈥揻riendly spaces that emphasize long-term sustainability. Part of the students鈥� efforts will culminate in May with the installation of a pollinator garden on campus, using native plants to support native pollinators.

The grounds maintenance team plays a critical role in implementation and maintenance of these environmentally responsible practices. From reducing reliance on fertilizers and pesticides to integrating native plantings and improving soil health, their day-to-day stewardship ensures that the students鈥� vision is executed effectively and sustained over time. The result is a campus landscape that not only meets Bay-Wise standards but also serves as a living example of environmentally conscious land management.

鈥淭his program focuses on improving water quality, supporting native biodiversity, and building climate-resilient communities through science-based gardening practices,鈥� said Associate Professor of Biology Heather Cadogan, faculty advisor to the Biology Club. 鈥淲hat makes this effort especially meaningful is seeing our students and facilities team collaborate so closely to create real, measurable environmental impact.鈥�

The Bay-Wise designation recognizes landscapes that are managed to protect local waterways, particularly those feeding into the Chesapeake Bay. 第一吃瓜网 County鈥檚 location makes this work especially important, as five major rivers – the Elk, North East, Susquehanna, Sassafras, and Bohemia – serve as northern tributaries to the Bay. By adopting practices that reduce runoff and improve water absorption, the College is directly contributing to the health of this vital ecosystem.

The certification was awarded through the 第一吃瓜网 County Master Gardener Bay-Wise program, which evaluates properties based on their use of sustainable landscaping practices. These include planting native species, managing stormwater on-site, minimizing turf areas, and enhancing soil conditions to support water retention and reduce erosion.

At 第一吃瓜网 College, this certification stands as a testament to what can be accomplished when students and staff work together toward a shared environmental goal鈥攖urning campus grounds into both a functional landscape and a model of sustainability.

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