Recent graduates setting the bar high for SCC students

Published on Sep 18, 2024

As the new academic year is underway, Somerset Community College (SCC) takes pride in announcing the selection of two recent graduates, Josette Pitman and John Meador, to represent SCC in the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) All-academic Team.

KCTCS, comprised of 16 Community Colleges in Kentucky, selected two students from each college for this prestigious team. Pitman and Meador, out of a significant number of students at SCC, emerged as exceptional candidates, reflecting the opportunities available at the community college.

Josette Pitman, a resilient mother of three, managed the demands of raising children, including a special needs child, homeschooling, and pursuing a nursing degree. Her involvement in the SCC Student Ambassador Program, Phi Theta Kappa, and SCC Honors Program showcases her determination and commitment.

Overcoming various challenges, Pitman achieved an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) with honors and now works as a full-time nurse. She began her online studies for a four-year degree at the University of Louisville in August, aiming to work as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in underserved Kentucky communities once she completes her master's degree.

On the other hand, John Meador, already holding a bachelor's degree in psychology, pursued studies in massage therapy at the Lexington Healing Arts Academy and became a licensed massage therapist (LMT) before enrolling in the SCC's Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program.

“SCC gave me the tools I needed like knowledge in joint mobilization, the knowledge to use my clinical experience to develop exercises and therapies for patients to decrease their pain and improve the quality of their life,” Meador said. “SCC allows me to serve others in this way.”

Recipient of the presidential scholarship, Meador's dedication was evident in his choice to commute daily for classes from Lexington. His goal is to use the skills learned from the PTA program, combined with his clinical and psychological background, to help people regain their quality of life in a caring environment.

Both Pitman and Meador displayed exceptional dedication and determination, utilizing the resources available at SCC to achieve their goals and positively impact the lives of others. Their unique paths to success and their shared passion for serving others exemplify the spirit of SCC and the opportunities it offers its students.