Editor's note: This article was prepared by Chattahoochee Technical College.

About 1,000 graduates of Georgia’s largest technical college were honored in a ceremony at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Thursday— about 300 walked in the ceremony. The event recognized those completing their programs of study during the summer term and fall semester.

Relief was the first word that came to mind of Paulding County graduate Justin Simmons. With his degree in Computer Programming, Simmons said the first order of business will be to find a job.

“I’ll be out there with everyone else looking,” Simmons said. “But I’m hopeful.”

State Sen. Chip Rogers was asked to be the commencement speaker at the event. Rogers was first elected in 2002 to the Georgia House of Representatives before being elected to the Georgia State Senate in 2004. Rogers was unanimously chosen as the Georgia Senate Majority Leader in 2009.

Popular programs for graduates include Computer Information Systems, Business Administrative Technology, Accounting and Early Childhood Care and Education for those receiving an Associate of Applied Science. Of those graduates receiving a diploma, most studied Cosmetology, Practical Nursing and Medical Assisting.

Dallas-Hiram Patch will bring you a complete list of local graduates once one is made available.