South Hills School of Business and Technology recently held its commencement ceremony at the Penn Stater Conference Center.
The event mirrored the enthusiastic and supportive learning environment that the school’s reputation has been built upon. Over a thousand friends and family members were in attendance to congratulate the school’s 127 graduates.
Maralyn Mazza, President of South Hills, told the September Class of 2013 that they were “one of over 6,000 graduates that are now recognized for their ability to make a difference in the workplace. The dream that Mr. Mazza and I have always held on to has come true,” she continued. “You have been given an excellent education and we know you will succeed in all you do.”
Class speaker, Kayla Hammel of Martinsburg, paid tribute to the late Paul Mazza, founder of South Hills School. Mazza, who always told his students to “be kind to one another,” also lived out those words on a daily basis.
“I have been most successful when I practice those words from Mr. Mazza,” Hammel said.
Hammel graduated with an associate degree in specialized business from the Medical Assistant program and was immediately hired at Nason Obstetrics & Gynecology in Roaring Springs upon successfully completing her internship with that organization.
Mark Parfitt, guest speaker and 2005 South Hills business graduate praised the benefits of the extensive internships that all South Hills graduates are required to complete prior to graduation.
Parfitt encouraged the graduates to maintain and build upon the professional network they established in their internships.
“Sometimes it is not only who you know, but who you are going to know that will help you in the future,” he said. “Continue to surround yourself with smart thinking and positive people, and take advantage of your get-to-know network.”
Area graduates receiving academic awards included James McIntyre of Port Matilda who received the Earl P. Strong Memorial Award in the Business Administration-Management & Marketing area, and Kristen Krause from Morann who was awarded the Kristi Joann Taylor Memorial Award in the Administrative Professional program. The South Hills School of Business & Technology Award was earned by Sarah Shupe from Centre Hall in the Medical Assistant program and Jessica Beichner of Clearfield in Graphic Arts.
Courtney Furgison of Lamar received the JoAnn M. Bonfatto Memorial Award which is given to a graduate who exemplifies the attributes of willingness to help others, dependability, enthusiasm, friendliness, and initiative.
John Corman from Ramey earned The Moshannon Valley Economic Partnership Award given to a graduate from the Philipsburg campus who has overcome adversity while continuing to excel in an educational setting.
