Cape Cod Community College celebrated the success of its second group of students, “Class 117” completing all requirements of its Aviation Maintenance Technology Program, Thursday, April 12, 2018. As this second group of 17 graduates qualified for FAA Certification testing, one had already passed full FAA certification, others were preparing to begin work in the aviation industry, while others were already enrolling for further study to complete their Associate in Applied Science Degree in Aviation Maintenance at the College.
President John Cox welcomed family and friends to the formal completion ceremony which saw each program graduate receive a unique program pin, signifying the end of their program of study.
In his remarks to the graduates, President Cox expressed his personal gratitude for the commitment, and persistence shown among all in this Class 117, named/numbered for the month they all began together, January 2017. He spoke of the stepping stones ahead for each graduate: FAA Certification, Associate of Applied Science Degree completion and its importance as some will choose to advance into management within the aviation industry, and he looked ahead for those interested in enrolling in the new Avionics Technician program the College will begin in the Fall. Renovations to the existing hangar space to support the new program could be seen by the ceremony’s attendees, as Pres. Cox noted the new initiative.
Along with the expansion into Avionics comes another new aspect to the program, a partnership with Bridgewater State University that will allow students in CCCC’S Aviation Maintenance Tech (AMT) program, access to housing at Bridgewater State University. This collaboration will make it easier for them to complete the intense program at the Plymouth airport, that is only a short 30 minute drive away via Route 58.
For the first time, the Class selected a member of the teaching staff to be named “Best Instructor.” They honored Richard M. Lyman, of East Sandwich who brings decades of outstanding military and private industry aviation maintenance experience to the program and a great love of working with those joining the profession.
Four members of the Class have shown outstanding academic performance and have been welcomed into the College’s chapter of the International Honor Society, Phi Theta Kappa: Christian Antoine of Harwichport, MA, Sean Crimmins of Dennisport, MA, Melissa Damon of Plymouth, MA, and Christopher Wendt of Forestdale, MA.
Individual awards were presented for special accomplishments within this cohort including $1500 “tool scholarships” for those who earned their FAA Certification. An anonymous donor has pledged this scholarship to every graduate who earns their full FAA certification.
John Rodick of Hanson, MA earned the top spot with the highest Grade Point Average among the group. He was dubbed the “Top Gun” referencing the iconic Tom Cruise movie. Andrew Stenz of Harwich, MA earned “Best Mechanic” honors. Chris Wendt of Forestdale, MA earned the “Class Leadership Award.” And Sean Crimmins of Dennisport, MA was named “The Hardest Worker.”
Honored for “Perfect Attendance” in the very demanding program was Zachary Adams of Plymouth. Also honored for “Outstanding Attendance” with only a few hours missed throughout the entire 15 month program were Tyler Hoffner of Sandwich, MA, and Jacob Washburn or West Barnstable, MA.
Those completing the program in Class 177 are:
Zachary Adams, Plymouth, MA
Christian Antoine, Harwichport, MA
Julian Bello, Providence, RI
Sean Crimmins, Dennisport, MA
Melissa Damon, Plymouth, MA
Jason Ferrara, Mashpee, MA
Tyler Hoffner, Sandwich, MA
Tristan Lai-Santos, South Yarmouth, MA
Jonathan Levesque, West Yarmouth, MA
Sabrina Milovich, Barnstable, MA
John Rodick, Hanson, MA
Andrew Stenz, Harwich, MA
Tony Tylinski, Barnstable, MA
Jacob Washburn, West Barnstable, MA
Christopher Wendt, Forestdale, MA
Jonathan Wilder, New Bedford, MA
Remie Williams, West Yarmouth, MA
