Robeson Community College’s first Medical Sonography class started in January of 2022. On Oct. 21, they were celebrated with a special pinning ceremony honoring their rite of passage into the medical sonography field.

“Today marks a significant milestone not only for our graduating class but also for our program and the community we serve, as this is our very first graduating class for RCC’s Medical Sonography program,” stated Lindsey Norris, the program director, at the ceremony. “Let’s congratulate the 1st Medical Sonography Class at Robeson Community College.”

The program was started in response to demand by local healthcare providers. The need for qualified medical sonographers continues to grow in the region. The program is now teaching its third cohort and will add a fourth class in August 2025.

“Medical Sonography is a great field,” Norris said in a press release. “There’s so many specializations and there is so much reward in being a part of non-invasive discovery… Sonographers play a vital role in diagnosing and treating patients, often being the first to capture those critical images that guide medical decisions.”

Kenleigh Bain, Autumn Holden, Jasmin Kudakwashe, Sarah Locklear, Lauren Simmons and Delanie Strickland were pinned by instructors as they walked across the stage and their names were called out loud.

“Being a part of the first class is very special,” stated RCC President Melissa Singler in a press release. “This is a very historic day for Robeson Community College and please know that we are so very proud of you and your achievements.”

During the ceremony awards were presented to Cape Fear Valley – Bladen County Hospital for Clinical Site of the Year Award, and Jessica Byrd was named the Sonographer of the Year.

Medical Sonography student Kenleigh Bain was named the recipient of the Academic Achievement Award, having shown the best overall academic performance through the program.

The students expressed their gratitude to friends, family, faculty and staff with a note in the program.

“We would like to express our gratitude to our families and friends for their support throughout this journey,” reads the note. “Thank you also to our clinical instructors and staff technologists for their willingness to share their knowledge in support of our success.