Building careers at TCAT Elizabethton

Published 11:48 am Thursday, August 4, 2022

What does Angela Bailey, Taylor Condry, Yvette Hayward and Gabriel Douglas, have in common? They have just spent time building a career at TCAT Elizabethton to better prepare themselves to help others.

Each will receive a diploma at the TCAT graduation ceremony August 11 at Milligan University. They will join some 200 other students in the 2022 graduating class. It will be the first graduation since 2019 when the COVID-19 pandemic canceled commencement.

TCATE President David Hicks said he is proud of all graduates who built their career at TCAT Elizabethton. “All of us can be proud of the progress made by each one,” Hicks said.

Each has a personal reason to better themselves.

Angela Bailey: “When my youngest was a senior in high school in 2018, I decided to finish my education. My original plan was to get a degree as a veterinarian technician. I got a part-time job at Four Oaks Healthcare and fell in love with the residents and dietary.

“The American Job Center (AJC), Brandon Harold, helped me with my books and other things. In 2020, I finished my associate degree in Nutrition and Food Services at Northeast State Community College. The next month I started the dietary program at TCAT.” The online training takes eight months to complete.

Bailey expressed appreciation for the support from her family; Lisa Blackburn, online dietary manager coordinator at TCAT Elizabethton; Phyllis Ensor and Stephanie Roark, her instructors; Patricia Henderson, student services coordinator at TCAT Elizabethton who contacted AJC; and Tyler Colbaugh, the administrator at CCU.

“I would also to like to thank the staff at Christian Care Center and my staff for their commitment to the residents. In August 2021, we had our first state review and no deficiencies were found. I hope that other students believe in themselves and work toward their dreams! I am beyond grateful for the TCAT program and everything that made my dreams come true,” Bailey said.

Taylor Condry: A pre-mature baby who has come a long way in 19 years since she lived in a hospital intensive care unit, surrounded by love and affection from her caregivers. She said survival odds at the time were against her. However, she is proof today that she was victorious.

Condry will receive a Licensed Practical Nurse diploma from TCAT Elizabethton on August 11. “I want to continue my education and become a Registered Nurse and eventually an obstetric nurse,” she said.

She is living proof one can make a difference in the lives of others. That is why she was selected to receive the $1,000 Hassie Murr Perryman Academic Scholarship. Hassie Murr was a special nurse in Elizabethton who went the extra mile to help others.

Yvette Hayward received a Scholarship from the National Technical Honor Society. She became a Certified Nurse Assistant at TCAT Elizabethton and then decided to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Gabriel Douglas: “I attended Tri-Cities Christian Academy for four years and graduated in 2020. I have always been a sucker for anything technology related and especially STEM programs. So going to a field involving lots of tech and robotics was a no brainer for me. I did some research and found out that TCAT had recently started up the Advanced Manufacturing program after a tour of the facility and meetings with staff I very quickly fell in love with the program and what it had to offer.

“After I graduate in December of 2022, I will be re-attending TCAT for an additional degree in the Industrial Electricity program. After my two technical degrees are obtained, I hope to serve in the local industry to help establish automation, especially in the local vicinity, as it will bring many jobs to the area. I might not be able to make a very large impact but it’s certainly worth a try!”

For additional information, telephone 423-543-0070 or visit www.tcatelizabethton.edu.