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24 graduate during TIJT ceremonies in December

Published or Revised January 09, 2008

The Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology, a division of Paris Junior College, held fall semester graduation ceremonies recently for 24 students completing certificates in jewelry, gemology, horology, bench technician, computer-aided jewelry design and casting. Ulla Raus, jewelry division chairperson, introduced all of the TIJT faculty and staff members, along with David McAnally, Dean of Workforce Education, and guest speaker Peter Kampfer. Kampfer is currently executive director of the Paris Economic Development Corporation and president and CEO of the Lamar County Chamber of Commerce. In addressing the graduates, their friends and families, Kampfer encouraged them to "find people to gravitate to who have a passion for your work and engage the positive people. Think about the passion that got you where you are today, those that encouraged you along the way, and don't forget to thank them," he said. Shannon Calloway, jewelry instructor, reviewed the fall semester activities of the jewelry student association and announced Stephen Thode as overall winner of the student design contest. Other winners in their category were Keith Wallis, George Hawkins and Jerrod Bleacher. The NAMANO Stone Setting Award winners are Danny Cole, first place; Jonathan Rhea, second place; and Beata Louquet, third place. Students receiving the Stuller Awards of Excellence are Amy Dalton, first place; Corey Wilkening, second place; and Jacob Walker, third place. Keith Wallis was named the winner of the CAD design contest. McAnally awarded Jewelry Technology certificates to Johanna Simpson of Paris, Riley Diver of New Braunfels, Timothy Gallion of Lake Jackson, Erica Waldron of Leonard, Hannah Beaman or Brayton, Iowa, and Jonathan Rhea of Springhill, Louisiana. Gemology graduates include Kara Nance of Paris, Caitlin A. Moninghoff of Conroe, Misty Sandoval of Quinlan, Sam Newton of Joplin, Missouri, and Lee Payne of Vinalhaven, Maine. Lisa Pham of Little Elm completed the Horology Technology program. Receiving Bench Technician designation are George Hawkins and Paul R. Spencer of Paris, Frederick Tristan II of Houston, Gerald Brown of DeQueen, Arkansas, Beata Louquet of Brick, New Jersey, and Elizabeth Ogilvie of Kittery, Maine. Graduates completing the Computer-Aided Jewelry Design program include Loyd Srader of Paris, Gregory P. Griffin Jr. of Pattonville, Stephen Thode of Enumclaw, West Virginia, Keith Wayne Wallis of Mountain Home, Arkansas, Amy Lynn Dalton of Gibbstown, New Jersey. Amy Dalton, Timothy Gallion, Laura Hayes and Johanna Simpson also received certificates in casting.