Twenty-eight new paramedics celebrated at Crafton Hills College - Crafton Hills College

Publish Date: Jan. 30, 2026

Paramedic Graduation

Becoming a certified paramedic is not given, it’s earned.

That’s what Amanda Ward emphasized during her remarks as she spoke to the 28 who comprised Crafton Hills College’s 107th Paramedic Class during the cohort’s graduation celebration on Jan. 30.

“Life will hit you in ways that will be sometimes difficult to manage, and you were able to do that with grace, resilience and here we are today,” said Ward, the college’s interim associate dean of public safety. “I am so incredibly proud of you for your efforts, and I am so excited to welcome you into ‘Club Paramedics.’”

Friends and families gathered inside Crafton’s Finkelstein Performing Arts Center to participate in the lively celebration where guests were encouraged to cheer on their favorite graduate by shouting out their nickname of choice. 

Crafton’s paramedic program demands hard work. Students must complete three sections to reach graduation day: a 460 hour-long didactic learning portion and field and clinical work where students experience hands-on first-responder situations.

The celebration was filled with tradition, such as a pinning ceremony where loved ones are invited on to the PAC stage to place a program pin on their graduate’s lapel and remarks from a class speaker chosen by each cohort. 

Kristein Clements, a program professor and program alumnae, received the nod and encouraged her graduates to remember three necessary life tips: commit to lifelong learning; always be a patient advocate; and take care of yourself.

“This program changed my life, and today, seeing you cross the same finish line is incredibly moving,” she said. “Class 107, you are ready. You are well trained. You earned your place in this profession, and we are glad to welcome you in.”

Additional program highlights included individual awards recognizing the academic achievements of program graduates:

·         Field Award: Esperanza Browder

·         Cardiology Award: Champagne Woods

·         Program Director Award: Holden Scharer

·         Clinical and Skills awards: Trevyn Cabrera

·         Pharmacology Award: Jose Barjas

·         Theory Award: Jason Melton

·         Patient Assessment Award: Champagne Woods and Samantha Horan

Rounding out Class 107 were Joshua Aaront, Adrian Aguilar, Garrett Batten, Esperanza Browder, Jonathan Corona, Jonathan Drew, Nathan Forester, Trent Gregoire, Jak Hurt, Alex Izaguirre, Joshua Lala, Donovan Madia Motte, Julian Martin, Kyle Morgan, Christopher Mosley, Luke Myers, Rolando Portillo, Luiz Ramirez, Alyssa Riggs, Kristopher Roberts, Bianca Vazquez Flores, and Mark Anthony Walker.

Crafton Hills offers two paramedic programs each year, and for the last three years, program graduates had a 96% pass rate on the National Registry Exam.

To l view a full event gallery, go to https://www.craftonhills.edu/features/roadrunner-scrapbook/2026-spring-slideshows/2026-01-30-paramedic-graduation/index.php.