Student speakers emphasize lessons outside the formal curriculum
Valedictorian Jessica Liller and salutatorian Jacquelyn Patton both praised the academic preparation they received as members of Garrett College’s third Paramedic Program hybrid cohort. Each, however, told the audience at Monday night’s graduation ceremony that key lessons also took place outside of the formal curriculum.
“Knowledge makes us competent, but compassion makes us unforgettable,” said Liller, a Keyser, WV resident who noted paramedics “owe it to their patients to never become satisfied with being mediocre.”
“The medicine matters, the skills matter – but at the end of the day, we are caring for others,” said Patton, who resides in Grantsville. “We treat the patient, not just the problem.”
The human side of medicine was emphasized by all of the speakers, including Dr. Janelle Martin, the program’s medical director.
“Strive to always pursue evidence-based medicine with compassion and respect for human dignity,” Dr. Martin told the graduates. “Never lose sight of the human being in front of you.”
Allyse Baker (Westover, WV), Charles Carter (Frostburg), Cheyanne Cole (Keyser, WV), and Patric McNeil (Romney, WV) rounded out the cohort’s six-member class. Thanks to the hybrid model, the class completed the program in one year compared to the two years required to complete the traditional, face-to-face program.
Josh Hook, recently appointed the program’s first, full-time director/lead instructor, noted the hybrid format cuts no corners.
“It takes everything traditionally done in two years and condenses it into one,” said Hook, adding, “It is quite an accomplishment.”
Dean of Continuing Education & Workforce Development Julie Yoder, who oversees the Paramedic Program, noted paramedic training has evolved in many ways over time – but not in its basic philosophy.
“The equipment has changed, and the technology has changed,” said Yoder. “The curriculum has changed. But the mission has never changed: helping people on their worst day.”
Jim Koon – a member of GC’s first Paramedic Program class who retired this summer as program director after a 30-year career with the program – struck a similar theme in his keynote address while challenging graduates to improve upon their chosen profession.
“Now, it’s your turn to move this profession forward,” said Koon. “It’s your turn to protect it, your turn to improve it, your turn to challenge it when you think it needs to be changed, your turn to leave it better than you found it.”
Program Coordinator Doug Beitzel noted the inclusive nature of the program experience.
“No one goes through the Paramedic Program alone,” said Beitzel, calling Paramedics “one of the most demanding educational journeys in EMS [Emergency Medical Services].”
Notes: Maryland Senator Mike McKay presented Koon with a pair of resolutions from state legislators to honor Koon’s Garrett College career.
The hybrid program option was created in 2023, with the first hybrid class graduating in 2024. It was created to offer a one-year accelerated pathway alongside GC’s traditional, two-year, fully in-person program.
Photo Cutline: Garrett College’s 2025-26 Paramedic Program hybrid cohort graduated Monday night at the Performing Arts Center at Garrett College. Pictured, left to right, are Program Medical Director Dr. Janelle Martin, Program Director Josh Hook, graduates Charles Carter, Jacquelyn Patton, Jessica Liller, Cheyanne Cole, Allyse Baker, Program Coordinator Doug Beitzel, and Program Clinical Coordinator Steve Adams. Not pictured: graduate Patric McNeil.
