Three Carter County students were among the 467 which received degrees or certificates at commencement exercise at Walters State Community College. The college awards associate of science, associate of applied science, associate of science in teaching, associate of arts and associate of fine arts degrees and technical certificates.

Local students graduating were Olivia Sapp, who received an AAS degree in law enforcement; Henry Lewis Blake Flesher, a CER in emergency medical tech; and Melissa Ann Dye Saylor, an AAS degree in paralegal studies.

The associate of applied science degree prepares individuals to work immediately following graduation. Forty-two students received this degree in nursing. Other popular majors include engineering technology, computer and information technology, culinary arts, business, clean energy, paramedic and law enforcement.

Students earning the associate of science, associate of science in teaching, associate of arts and associate of fine arts generally plan to transfer to a four-year college and complete a bachelor’s degree.

The most popular major for a student receiving the associate of science degree this semester was general studies. This provides the foundational freshman and sophomore studies for many different majors at four-year universities. Other popular majors were Pre-imaging science, psychology, accounting, business administration, Associate of arts degrees were given in art education, studio arts, history, mass communications and political science. Associate of fine arts were given in art and music. Two students received the associate of science in teaching.

Technical certificates enable individuals to go to work immediately after graduation or develop special skills. The majority (91) of technical certificates went to fall graduates of the basic law enforcement academy. Forty-three students earned technical certificates in emergency medical technician.