On Dec. 12, Blackhawk Technical College held its first graduation ceremony for paramedic students. Six students received their technical diploma following their completion of 14 core courses and more than 1,200 hours of education.

“We’re the adults now,” Candace Gross, the student speaker, shared during the graduation ceremony. ”No more looking for the adult to rescue us. Somewhere in all this madness, we went from nervous students panicking over exams to paramedics who’ll be there for people in real emergencies. And you know what? We’re ready for it.”

Dennis Worden, lead EMS Instructor and faculty speaker, shared some background on the paramedic program. He said, “The class spent time in the classroom, had lab days, used the simulation lab, and also had field clinicals. They do the long summer session and then complete their requirements in the fall.”

Prior to the graduation, one of the paramedic students, Joe Petersen, said, “I went to Blackhawk after being an employee here as a fire adjunct instructor. What motivated me to take the class is to move further in the fire/EMS field than where I was. This opens up so many more doors in the field I love.”

Nicole Brazelton, another paramedic student, shared, “I've been in emergency services for going on five years either as first response or an ER tech in the Beloit Hospital emergency department. I don't have a set plan with my medic license yet.” She is looking for a job that fits her circumstances.

The December 2025 paramedic graduates are:

• Nicole Brazelton
• John Dimassis
• Megan Gabel
• Candace Gross
• Joseph Petersen
• Macayla Quinn