Tuesday, February 3, 2026
photos by Courtney L. Breon, non-credit instructor, basic life support (EMT/EMR)
The paramedic class of 2025 celebrates on the Klump Academic Center stage following a graduation ceremony. Front row (from left) Alicia Freeman, Logan Deats and Christopher Kavcic; second row (from left) Myron Bingaman and Colleen Haas; and back row (from left) Gabriel Bittner, Allen Bennett, Tiffani McNeill and Darlene Tobey.
Nine students recently graduated from Penn College Workforce Development’s paramedic certificate program. A ceremony celebrated the achievements of the 2025 graduating class: Allen Bennett, Myron Bingaman, Gabriel Bittner, Logan Deats, Alicia Freeman, Colleen Haas, Christopher Kavcic, Tiffani McNeill and Darlene Tobey.
Bennett served as the evening’s student speaker and was honored with the Director’s Award, which is given to the student who has the highest overall paramedic program GPA. Bennett also received the UPMC Program Award, selected and given by Susquehanna Regional Emergency Medical Services to an individual that displays strong leadership and teamwork skills and demonstrates excellence, professionalism and commitment to the health care profession.
The Humanitarian Award, which is presented to the student who best displays the traits of a humanitarian throughout the program, was awarded to Kavcic. Haas received the Dennis Dougherty Memorial Award for maintaining the highest overall program clinical average.
During the 12-month certificate program, class of 2025 students each completed more than 744 field hours, 370 hospital clinical hours, 284 hours of hands-on lab practice and 462 hours of lecture. Graduates also received certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Prehospital Trauma Life Support and Advanced Medical Life Support.
Brady L. Breon, paramedic program director, recalled students entering the year with determination, curiosity and some uncertainty.
“Today, you walk out as paramedic program graduates – ready to serve, ready to lead and ready to make a difference when every second counts,” Breon said.
The year, he continued, wasn’t easy. From long nights, challenging exams and countless hours of studying to learning to make critical decisions under pressure, every skill mastered and every lesson learned prepared students for the future.
“Paramedicine is a profession defined by urgency – by moments that truly happen in the blink of an eye,” he said. “Lives change in seconds, and now you are the ones who will step in during those moments. You’ve earned that responsibility, and you’ve proven you’re ready for it.”
Although the 2026 cohort is already underway, applications for 2027 will be accepted from the end of February through the beginning of November. To learn more, visit www.pct.edu/paramedic.
Myron Bingaman accepts congratulations from Brittany A. Breon, health care trainnig specialist/clinical director of the paramedic program. At center is John A. Nappi, paramedic program coordinator.
Colleen Haas (left), recipient of the Dennis Dougherty Memorial Award; Allen Bennett (center), recipient of the Director's Award and the UPMC Program Award; and Christopher Kavcic, recipient of the Humanitarian Award.
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