A-B Tech's BLET program graduated a second Spring 2024 class on July 31. The graduates were honored in a ceremony on the Asheville campus that was attended by families, friends, and local law enforcement agencies.
Graduate Savanah Mary-Elizabeth Kicklighter spoke on behalf of her class and thanked the college's BLET instructors for their support and encouragement. "This class overcame so many obstacles. We banded together and said we are going to make it," she said.
Kicklighter also reflected on the importance of maintaining a positive attitude in difficult circumstances, saying "Even though we go through the day and see the evils of the world, may we stay strong for others. Like it says in Psalm 27, may we continue to see the goodness of the world in the land of the living."
The graduating class included:
- Brandon Isaac Ball
- Caleb Adonijah Calton
- Rachel Lynn Carnathan
- Sarah Rachel Gayton
- Savanah Mary-Elizabeth Kicklighter
- Kyle Michael Kouf
- Wyatt Mason Lankford
- Knight Nichole Owen
- Keyandre Malik Thomas
Class awards were presented by BLET Program Director Daryl Fisher, who also presided over the ceremony, and Associate Director Jeff Augram. Awards and recipients were:
- Best Firearms Qualification: Brandon Isaac Ball
- Most Improved Physical Fitness: Knight Nichole Owen
- Highest Grade Point Avg: Savannah Mary-Elizabeth Kicklighter
- Highest State Exam: Sarah Rachel Gayton
- Trailblazer Award: Savannah Mary-Elizabeth Kicklighter
- Best Instructors: Buncombe County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Robert Foster and Sgt. Joey Gorman
Learn more about A-B Tech's BLET program at Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) Certificate.