FOLEY, Ala. - As the Fortis College 2011 graduating class took their seats inside the Foley Civic Center, accomplishment entered the atmosphere.

    The 50 graduates grabbed their diplomas and exited for a land of medical assistant opportunity. The program lasts 10-13 months depending if a student takes classes during the day or at night.

    The graduates in the class include: Hope Austin; Tonya Banks; Kim Bass; Christy Blair; Chianta Boyd; Tiffany Bradley; Phillip Castner; Summer Chandler; Janet Childress; Sarah Creamer; Brittany Davis; Jillian Daniels; Melissa Demko; Karen Dill; Stephanie Eringman; Donna Ford; Rebekah Fulmer; Jessie Griffith; Sara Harlan; Courntey Harris; Amber Hastings; Samantha Head; Erin Hicks; Kristaa Ingram; Cassandra Jordan; Bianca Kinsey; Connie Matta; Coralee McGaster; Jason Miller; Michelle Minchew; Jennifer Motes; Elisabeth Perkins; Jamie Pickens; Cassie Pruette; Erika Rhodes; Kattie Rhodes; Tanya Seigler; Katlin Smith; Stephanie Snyder; Bridgett Stamps; Tabitha Stanczak; Sandra Stewart; Krista Szarka; Heather Thomley; Sara Tomlinson; Candice Washington; Dayna Weaver; Jessica Williams; Regina Williams; and Ariel Yawn.

    Some of the graduates received special recognitions for their academic accomplishments. Those who had perfect attendance were: Castner; Hastings; Jordan; and Harlen. Those who maintained a 3.9 grade point average were: Austin; Chandler; Griffith; Harris; Jordan; Matta; Szarka; and Regina Williams. Those who maintained a 4.0 grade point average were: Motes and Tomlinson. The graduates who earned the Summa Cum Laude recognition for maintaining a 4.0 grade point average and having perfect attendance were: Bass; Childress; Dill; and Thomley.

    The college offers a medical assistant program and recently began new programs in Heating Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration and Electrical Trades. Students take five-to-six-week classes in the program, and classes are offered year round.