Wallace State Sonography Program Graduates Two Classes

HANCEVILLE, Ala. — Wallace State Community College celebrated graduates of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program with a pinning ceremony for graduates of the General/Vascular and Cardiovascular pathways.

Almost 30 students received pins at the ceremony that marked their successful completion of the program, with most of the students already earning one or more certifications.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program Director Dr. April Sutherland recognized the students for their perseverance in successfully completing the program.

“Many of you can think of numerous times over the past year and a half or longer where that word applies,” she said. “Maybe you had to apply to the program more than once. Maybe you had to retake a registry. Maybe you had to try again to get that comp. Whatever the case, you persevered through many long days and nights to get to where you sit today. The perseverance that we have seen throughout this program from you all will extend past today.”

Aishlea Day, president of the General/Vascular class, congratulated her classmates on becoming sonographers.

“Sonography is more than a skill,” she said. “It’s the ability to see what others can’t, to interpret silent images and bring answers to anxious hearts. We’ve spent hours in the classroom, days in clinical rotations, and countless nights studying anatomy, physics and pathology.

“But through it all, we grew,” Day added. “Not just as sonographers, but as professionals. But let’s remember, with our credentials comes responsibility. Every patient we scan will trust us with a piece of their story. Some will bring joy like a heartbeat fluttering on a monitor. Some will bring heartbreak, like a difficult diagnosis. All will deserve our very best.”

Bailey Allen, president of the Cardiovascular class, expressed her pride and appreciation of her classmates.

“I could not have imagined a better group of people to challenge me, support me and push me to become not only the best version of myself, but also the best student and sonographer I can be,” she said. “Each one of you has left a huge impact on my life, and I cannot wait to watch you flourish in this career. Your dedication, compassion, kindness and wisdom will touch every patient you encounter.”

Several students received awards during the pinning ceremony.

   

Valedictorians for each class were presented to Aubrey Dewald from the General/Vascular class and Kaylee Forsythe for the Cardiovascular class.

Clinical Excellence awards were presented to Aishlea Day from the General/Vascular class and Phoebe Reed from the Cardiovascular class.

   

Graduates of the General/Vascular Sonography program include: Taylor Bean of Madison, Aishlea Day of Section, Aubrey Dewald of Huntsville, Claire Ellis of Gardendale, Bentley Fore of Springville, Rachel Gough of Union Grove, Rachel Hester of Athens, Bradie Kate Hill of Hartselle, Karley Hill of Florence, Breanna Kizzire of Gardendale, Kelsey Meggison of Cullman, Kaitlin Salter of Oak Grove, Briley Wilkins of Blountsville, and Shakira Wilson of Hueytown.

Graduates of the Cardiovascular Sonography program include: Bailey Allen of Oak Grove, Dianna Arreguin of Oneonta, Lillie Brittain of Trussville, Dagen Brown of Hatton, Emmy Clark and Kaydence Rigsby of Lawrenceburg, Tenn., Jacquelyn Demirjian and Jooyun Kim of Madison, Amelia Dutton of Hoover, Kaylee Forsythe of Florence, William Lazenby of Cullman, Mia McGiboney of Birmingham, Phoebe Reed of Homewood, Bailey Wade of Morris, and Autumn White of Rainsville

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography program offers three pathway options: Obstetrics/Gynecology, General/Vascular and Cardiovascular. With completion of prerequisite courses, the Obstetrics/Gynecology pathway can be completed in three semesters, and the General/Vascular and Cardiovascular pathways can be completed in four semesters. The program accepts applications for fall admission from March 1 to June 1. For more information, visit www.wallacestate.edu/Sonography or call 256.352.8334.

Registration is underway for the Spring 2026 semester, with classes beginning Jan. 7 for regular and Mini Term I and March 5 for Mini Term II courses. Visit www.wallacestate.edu for more information or call 256.352.8236 or email lioncentral@wallacestate.edu.

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About Wallace State

Wallace State Community College (Ala.), a member of the Alabama Community College System, is a comprehensive community college in north central Alabama offering more than 200 options in academic, health and technical programs of study leading to an associate degree, certificate or transfer, as well as workforce-credit training and adult education. An Achieving the Dream Leader College, nationally recognized by the Aspen Institute as a Rising Star for the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, ranked by Southern Business and Development among the Top 3 institutions in the South for workforce development, named a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing and the National Security Administration, rated the Top Online Community College in Alabama, a Military Friendly Institution and an All-Steinway School, Wallace State is an outstanding place for students to pursue their education and career goals. Classes are offered online and on campus, day, evening and on weekends, with numerous start dates each year. Visit Wallace State’s beautiful main campus located on 300-acres in Hanceville, Ala., our satellite location in downtown Oneonta, Ala., find us online at www.wallacestate.edu, or call 256.352.8000.