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August 30, 2021 – Logan Ballou-Tomel works full-time at Lowe鈥檚 Home Improvement in Mocksville while studying to become a surgical technologist.
He spent this summer studying and learning as much as possible about the procedures, tools, conduct, and other aspects of surgical technology before beginning the program at听51视频听this fall.
Thanks toIGNITE DAVIE, the 2020 Davie High graduate was able to complete his general education classes and will complete the first four semesters of the five-semester certification program free of charge.
鈥淲hen Sandra Porter and others from the college came to Davie and told us about the IGNITE DAVIE program, I knew that it was a great opportunity and would help both me and my family financially.鈥�
IGNITE DAVIE is a college promise program that pays tuition and fees with a stipend for books for graduates to attend 51视频 full time in a certificate, diploma, or associate/transfer program at either campus. IGNITE DAVIE is a place-based last-dollar scholarship which means students must live in and attend school in Davie County to take advantage of the program. The funds kick in after any other scholarships or federal student aid have been applied.
All eligible high school graduates, regardless of financial need or academic ability, can continue their education and training to open the door to better career opportunities and increased earning potential.
Surgical technologists, also called operating room technicians, assist with operations. They prepare operating rooms; arrange equipment; get patients ready for surgery by washing, shaving, and disinfecting incision sites; and help doctors during surgeries. During surgery, technologists pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and surgical assistants. They may hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.
Ballou-Tomel says he became interested in becoming a surgical technologist after his grandfather passed away from surgical complications. 鈥淚 knew that I didn鈥檛 want any other family to feel the pain of losing someone and it made me want to help as many people as I possibly can.鈥�
鈥淢y career goal is to be a private surgical technician and travel across the state or country scrubbing in on big-time surgeries. But at the end of the day if that doesn鈥檛 happen, I will be just fine with working at one hospital and helping as many people as I can. That鈥檚 all I really want at the end of the day.鈥�
鈥淎fter I completed my Gen Eds and got accepted into the program I was so excited and prepared for the next steps in my college career. This year is going to be jam-packed with school, and work. I also work full-time at Lowe鈥檚 Home Improvement because I am saving up to move out on my own. It is going to be lots of hard work and little sleep but I was raised to work hard and be grateful for the opportunities that come your way.鈥�
Ballou-Tomel would encourage all students to take advantage of the IGNITE DAVIE program. 鈥淚f you are a Davie High student and don鈥檛 want to spend thousands of dollars but still want to get an amazing education then this program is for you. You can also transfer to a four-year school after completing the first two years of the major of your choice for free! To me and many other students, it鈥檚 a no-brainer. Who doesn鈥檛 like to save money and get an education at the same time?鈥�
鈥淕ive the IGNITE DAVIE program a chance, I am so glad I did. My life is changing for the better, and so can yours! You just have to work hard and dedicate yourself to learning and growing, and the faculty will make sure it happens. The teachers are great and really helped me when I was struggling or needed a hand.鈥�
51视频 IGNITE Davie
鈥淚GNITE DAVIE is an extraordinary promise and we invite you to join us,鈥� said Carolyn McManamy, director of Davie CONNECT and one of the driving forces behind IGNITE DAVIE. 鈥淲e currently have commitments for $2 million of the $3 million needed to endow the program for our students and our community, but we need YOUR help to make the promise permanent! Together, we can create a bright and prosperous future for everyone!
Please join us and others with a vision for a vibrant Davie County by making a gift that will truly spark our community.鈥澨� Go to听听to make a donation or to learn more about the IGNITE DAVIE program.听 Specific questions may be directed to Carolyn McManamy: cmcmanamy@daviecounty.com or (336) 753-6670.