Wallace State Celebrates Respiratory Therapy Class of 2026

HANCEVILLE, Ala. — Wallace State Community College celebrated the Respiratory Therapy Class of 2026 during a recent pinning ceremony recognizing 30 graduates transitioning from students to professional caregivers.

Program Director Ashley Lancaster opened the ceremony by emphasizing the significance of the milestone. “While graduation highlights the completion of academic study, this pinning ceremony marks your important transition from student to respiratory therapist,” she said. 

Class representative Emma Bice delivered the invocation. “We are grateful for the friendships that have strengthened us, for the mentors who have guided us, and for the loved ones who have supported and believed in us,” Bice said, asking for continued guidance as graduates begin their careers.

Class president Jarrett Peeples addressed his classmates, highlighting the journey they shared. “The program wasn’t easy… but we showed up for each other, helped one another study, and learned together,” Peeples said. He encouraged his peers to move forward with confidence: “Class of 2026, let’s go out there and be great Respiratory Therapists.”

Respiratory Therapy instructor Jennifer Arbona served as guest speaker and reminded the graduates of the importance of the work they will be doing. “You enter people’s lives at some of their most critical, vulnerable moments—when every breath matters,” Arbona said. “You don’t just treat lungs—you care for people, families, and moments that will never be forgotten.” 

Arbona congratulated the graduates on their success. “That didn’t happen by accident—it happened because you showed up, again and again, even when it was hard,” she said, encouraging graduates to continue learning and to remember why they chose the profession. 

During the ceremony, students were individually recognized and ceremonially pinned, symbolizing their readiness to join the respiratory care profession following completion of their board exams.

The program also honored outstanding students with recognition awards. Clinical Director Tabatha Tatum highlighted the importance of the profession and the achievements of the class. “Respiratory therapy isn’t just about lungs, ventilators, or oxygen levels—it’s about relief, trust, and helping someone take the next breath,” she said. 

Awards presented include:

• Respiratory Therapy Program Excellence Award: Jarrett Peeples
• Academic Excellence Award: Jada Butler
• Lambda Beta Honor Society Inductees: Jada Butler, Jarrett Peeples
• Clinical Excellence Award: Ben Waid

The Respiratory Therapy program is accepting applications for Fall 2026 entry through June 1. For more information, visit www.wallacestate.edu/respiratory-therapy or contact Jennifer Craig at 256.352.8307 or Jennifer.craig@wallacestate.edu. 

Registration for the summer and fall semesters is underway, with summer classes begin May 26 and fall classes begin Aug. 17. Visit www.wallacestate.edu for more information or call 256.352.8236 or email lioncentral@wallacestate.edu. 

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About Wallace State

Wallace State Community College (Ala.), a member of the Alabama Community College System, is a comprehensive community college in north central Alabama offering more than 200 options in academic, health and technical programs of study leading to an associate degree, certificate or transfer, as well as workforce-credit training and adult education. An Achieving the Dream Leader College, nationally recognized by the Aspen Institute as a Rising Star for the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, ranked by Southern Business and Development among the Top 3 institutions in the South for workforce development, named a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing and the National Security Administration, rated the Top Online Community College in Alabama, a Military Friendly Institution and an All-Steinway School, Wallace State is an outstanding place for students to pursue their education and career goals. Classes are offered online and on campus, day, evening and on weekends, with numerous start dates each year. Visit Wallace State’s beautiful main campus located on 300-acres in Hanceville, Ala., our satellite location in downtown Oneonta, Ala., find us online at www.wallacestate.edu, or call 256.352.8000.

Jarrett Peeples, right, accepts an award from Wallace State Respiratory Therapy Program Chair Ashley Lancaster during the pinning ceremony for graduates. Peeples received the Respiratory Therapy Program Excellence Award and was recognized as a Lambda Beta Honor Society inductee.

Jada Butler, right, accepts an award from Wallace State Respiratory Therapy Program Chair Ashley Lancaster during the pinning ceremony for graduates. Butler received the Academic Excellence Award and was recognized as a Lambda Beta Honor Society inductee.

Ben Waid, right accepts an award from Wallace State Respiratory Therapy Program Chair Ashley Lancaster during the pinning ceremony for graduates. Waid received the Clinical Excellence Award.