EMS Graduates Honored at Pinning Ceremony
Published on December 16, 2025
Lake Land College recently recognized Emergency Medical Services (EMS) graduates at an annual pinning ceremony. During the event, several students received awards for their outstanding performance in the program.
Two students, Brandon Balaco of Alton and Grayson Thomas of Paris, received the Academic Achievement award for earning the highest score in the program. During the ceremony, Balaco also received the Bumble Bee Award for untapped potential, and Thomas was named the recipient of the Shirley Sherwood Award for Excellence in EMS education.
The Perseverance Award was presented to Curtis Robinson, Bethany, for overcoming obstacles to succeed in the program.
The Professional Development award went to Peyton Daugherty for outstanding growth in both skills and confidence.
The following graduates received their pins at the ceremony:
| Name | Hometown |
| Brandon Balaco | Alton |
| Jesse Bond | Sumner |
| Kristen Chapman | Flora |
| Peyton Daugherty | Charleston |
| Jacob Matthews | Trilla |
| Jonathan McCain | Atlanta |
| Gabriel McElroy | Assumption |
| Austin Nichols | Mattoon |
| Kyle Parish | Decatur |
| Curtis Robinson | Bethany |
| Grayson Thomas | Paris |
| Stetsen Traub | Effingham |
| Tyler Warner | Mattoon |
| Kimberly Webb | Mt. Erie |
Back row (from left to right): Allied Health EMS Adjunct Instructor Lucas Ruholl; Kyle Parish, Decatur; Jacob Matthews, Trilla; Kimberly Webb, Mt. Erie; Jonathan McCain, Atlanta; Kristen Chapman, Flora; Mike Schwenke, Allied Health Adjunct Instructor; Dr. Joshua Novak, Medical Director at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center.
