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Mount Wachusett Community College welcomed fourteen students to the veterinary technology profession on May 9, 2026, in a traditional pinning ceremony.
The group of students were welcomed by Dean Veronica Guay, Program Director Tara Novak, CVT, LATG, President James Vander Hooven, and Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson.
“I offer my deepest congratulations and appreciation to our graduates, you have successfully made it through a very difficult program,” Vander Hooven told students. “You have chosen a caring profession, one which will require you to not only care for animals, but to empathize with their humans as well. You are going to make an enormous difference and impact in our community and the world, and we wish you luck.”
Keynote speaker, Amy Newfield, MS, CVT, VTS (ECC), founder and owner of Veterinary Team Training, told students, “You haven’t just graduated with a profession, but a passion. Other graduates are going on to work jobs, but you are going on to save lives.”
“You are in charge of your happiness and get to do whatever you want in this profession,” she continued. “There are many paths to take in this profession, I encourage you to run down them and experiment, you can always change directions and try a new path. Take care of yourselves, have fun, and don’t forget to enjoy the beautiful animals in your life.”
The MWCC Veterinary Technology program extends its thanks to its partnering veterinary hospitals and local farms: Gardner Animal Care Center, Minglewood Farm and Hanson Harm both of North Brookfield, Hemlock Hill Farm in Ashby, and Charles River Laboratories in Worcester.
The students were pinned by a family member, friend or faculty, and then recited the Veterinary Technician Oath as the newest member’s veterinary field.
Maija Blomquist, Hubbardston
Rebecca Epstein, Pepperell
Katelyn Firth, Westborough
Jenna Hasche, Westford
Emily Locke, Brookfield
Angelic Marfisi, Gardner
Alina Oberg, Fitchburg
Kailyn Parker, Westminster
Sabrina Poirier, Leominster
Leanne Proctor, Lunenburg
Lindsey Raymond, Athol
Megan Rossi, Fitchburg
Zachary Serafini, Rindge, NH
Casey Wayrynen, New Ipswich, NH