MOUNT VERNON — The possibilities are endless when it comes to pursuing an education with schools like the Knox County Career Center continuing to open opportunities for students of all ages. On Thursday, 16 students in the Medical Assisting and Medical Insurance Billing programs graduated with their diplomas.

The commencement opened with prayer followed by an address from Lucy Smith, Medical Insurance Billing graduate. Smith spoke of the hard work involved in the nine-month program, particularly learning the medical terminology. With the hard work, there was more time to grow, she said.

“This is truly a wonderful program,” said Smith.

Learning with 10 other students, Smith said she had a variety of classmates ranging from the “baby boomers” to the “generation Y”.

“I’m grateful for everyone; my family, classmates and teachers,” she said. “Anyone would be lucky to take this program. It would be an adventure.”

Graduating from the Medical Assisting program were Lynnette Aune, Penny Dotson, Summer Hunsinger, Debra Nauman, and Valene Thayer.

Medical Insurance Billing graduates included Jennifer Banbury, Jo Ann Fields, Ariell Moxley, Sandra Mullins, Patricia Porath, Lisa Smith, Lucy Smith, Shanna Soliday, April Stump, Michele Tino, and Heather Webb.