Crafton Hills College Graduates its Largest Ever Emergency Medical Technician Class

Publish Date: May 27, 2025

Crafton Hills College’s Emergency Medical Technician program celebrated its Class of 2025 in a ceremony for so many graduates that had to be held in two sessions.

Friends and family flooded into the Finkelstein Performing Arts Center (PAC) on May 27 to celebrate the program’s largest class yet, with 155 recognized at a 4 and 6 p.m. ceremony, respectively.

“This [number of graduates] is … double what we had graduating last semester,” exclaimed EMT Program Director Amanda Ward.

The ceremonies marked a huge milestone for the Crafton community, as it was the last graduated class to be recognized in the old PAC before a new performing arts center opens this summer. The event marked a bittersweet moment for Ward, whose very own graduation was recognized inside that space years before.

“As much as you all put in the work,” said Ward, “I think there’s a really big contributing factor to that success; that’s the friends and family that are here.

“As someone who started EMT school myself at 18 years of age, I can tell you that I knew there was no way I was going to make it without my mom and dad helping me out. So, we appreciate you guys supporting your students as [they completed the program],” she said.

Program highlights included remarks from program facilitators, all of whom praised graduating Roadrunners for staying on top of their studies despite the long days and nights. A video set to music from the 1980s, including the theme from the Rocky IV soundtrack, delighted guests and grads, who cheered, laughed and clapped along to program highlights that appeared on a giant screen.

Although the May celebration marked the end of one chapter, each graduate was encouraged to embrace the next part of their story, whether their plans include continued studies at Crafton or launching their EMT careers.

“Today’s graduates have transformed into skilled professionals ready to face the unexpected, to respond with calm in the midst of chaos and to serve others in their most vulnerable moments,” said Vice President of Instruction Keith Wurtz. “Their success reflects the dedication and support of their instructors, families and peers. Together, this class has built a foundation of trust, empathy and resilience—qualities that will guide them in every call they answer and every life they touch.

Congrats to the EMT Class of 2025.”