Photo: Guest speaker, Bishop Michael A. Blue provides words of encouragement to Florence-Darlington Technical College's graduating class of 2020-2021.
FLORENCE, S.C. (May 13, 2021) – Florence-Darlington Technical College (FDTC) saw more than 300 graduates walk across the stage at the Florence Center during its 2021 Graduation Ceremony on Thursday night.
This year’s participation more than doubled last year’s COVID-19 hindered event. While students still had to wear masks and socially distance, the energy was livelier this year as they received their degrees.
“Although we are coming out of this pandemic, there were still social distancing policies in place,” said FDTC Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Marc David. “So students had to RSVP for commencement because seating was limited. Nonetheless, there was an energy surrounding commencement that we did not have last year, and I am hopeful this energy will carry over into the summer and signal that we are ready for the next chapter!”
FDTC graduated a total of 631 students during the 2020-2021 school year. FDTC saw 363 students graduate from the Division of Math and Technical Education and another 268 graduate from the Division of Health and Human Services. Twenty-five high school students from Darlington High School, Mullins High School, South Florence High School and Wilson High School earned an Associate of Arts Degree through the FDTC Early College Program.
“I would like to congratulate the class of 2021,” FDTC Interim President Edward Bethea said. “They completed their degree requirements during one of the most challenging times due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This class of students had to finish their studies through an array of online, hybrid and in-person classes. Our Health Science graduates even obtained first-hand experience working in the healthcare system during a worldwide pandemic. The students will now move on, stronger than ever, and do great things in their respective fields.”
Bishop Michael A. Blue, who is a founding pastor of The Door of Hope Christian Church in Marion, South Carolina, served as the guest speaker. He served as an award-winning educator for 25 years, and he has been in ministry since 1980. Bishop Blue was scheduled to speak during last year’s ceremony, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic, FDTC hosted a lean event without a speaker.
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