Hard work recently paid off for graduates of the St. Anthony’s Paramedic Program.

After a year of intense classroom work and clinical/field internship rotations, 26 students of the Class of 2007 graduated during a July 13 ceremony at St. Anthony’s Auditorium.

Rep. Jim Lembke of Lemay and Rep. Jeff Roorda of Barnhart addressed the graduating class.

The St. Anthony’s Paramedic Program has been training pre-hospital professionals since 1982. This year, the commencement was dedicated to Chris Walsh, a 2000 graduate of the paramedic program who lost his life serving his country in Iraq last year. A short moment of silence and a meaningful message was given to honor Mr. Walsh, according to a news release.

Special awards went to Valedictorian Jon Bollinger and Salutatorians Matt Purcell and Kristen Sunderman.

The St. Anthony’s Paramedic Program is accredited through St. Louis Community College and is one of the most successful programs in the state, the release stated.

Students must complete a year of prerequisites before being eligible for the interview process to apply for the program.

During the program, students complete more than 1,000 hours of class work and 750 clinical hours. Upon graduation, students receive an associate degree in applied science in paramedic technology and are eligible to take the National Registry Exam for EMT-Paramedics. This license is nationally recognized.

For more information, call SLCC EMS Programs Coordinator Charlene Jansen at (314) 644-9925.