BEAVER, W.Va. (WVDN) – New River Community and Technical College recognized 14 students during the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Pinning Ceremony held August 9 at the Raleigh County Campus.
The ceremony honored students who completed the college’s PTA program, marking the transition from classroom and clinical training to the next phase of their professional journey.
Julie Turner, PT, Clinical Education Coordinator, opened the ceremony, followed by remarks from New River CTC President Dr. Bonny Ball Copenhaver and PTA Program Director Dr. Angela Strickland.
Dr. Strickland spoke about her deep love for the physical therapy profession and her pride in the graduates for the commitment they’ve shown throughout the program. “This field is about helping people move, heal, and get their lives back,” she said. “You’ve embraced that responsibility with heart and hard work, and I’m incredibly proud of the professionals you’ve become. I know you’ll carry the values of this program with you into every clinic, hospital, and patient interaction.”
As part of the ceremony, each student received a pin—a symbol of the knowledge, clinical experience, and dedication required to succeed in the field of physical therapy. Graduates also recited the Physical Therapy Model Pledge, affirming their commitment to serve others with skill, compassion, and integrity as they prepare for the national licensure exam.
Awards were presented to recognize outstanding achievement, including Clinical Educator of the Year, Student of the Year, and the Jeffrey K. Bailey Clinical Excellence Award.
Congratulations to the students: Mason Basham, Ashley Beaulieu, Laura Bennett, Isiah Bradley, Nicholas Ellison, Jayden Kidd, Ryan Miller, Olivia Moore, Richard Perkins, Nathan Parsons, Erica Poe, Emma Strong, John Tabor, and Nathan Williams.
To learn more about the Physical Therapist Assistant program at New River CTC, visit https://www.newriver.edu/
