![Graduates of Locklin's nursing program take on last group photo together after the ceremony on May 22. [KEVIN BOYER | Press Gazette]](http://127.0.0.1/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ghows-DA-6d08f975-eee1-653d-e053-0100007f0c3c-a93a4dec-scaled.jpeg)
MILTON — Family and friends gathered at the Milton High auditorium to support their 2018 graduating seniors of Locklin Technical School. Principal Maria Ladouceur also made a big announcement for the school.
This year Locklin Tech saw 165 students graduating and earned $24 thousand in scholarships and financial aid to continue their education. These students will be the last that will graduate under the school's current name.
Ladouceur announced at the graduation that all incoming students next year will be attending Locklin Technical College, the school's new name just approved by the state.
"We are very excited about this,"Ladouceur said. "This is the first that we have been able to announce it."
LaDouceur spoke about the joy of being able to speak at the graduation to so many graduates.
“This is the best part of my job,” Principal Maria LaDouceur said. “I am so proud of all of our graduates for the hard work they have done.”
Giving the keynote address was executive director of Escambia Destination Marketing Organization, Rusty Branch.
“I’m not here to give advice,” Branch said. “I’m here to encourage.”
Branch said graduates should continue to enhance their skills and trades and become successful in their chosen professions.
The graduates earned certificates and in the following categories during the ceremony:
• Air conditioning, refrigeration and heating technology
• Automotive services
• Computer systems and information technology
• Cyber security
• Culinary arts and commercial foods
• Electricity
• Legal administrative specialist
• Medical administrative specialist
• Message therapy
• Pharmacy technician
• Pre-Nursing
• Welding
• Practical nursing
Locklin Tech is accredited by the council on occupational education. Their mission is to prepare students for current and high-demand careers through collaboration with community stakeholders. More information on the school's name change will be presented as it becomes available.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Locklin Tech students and school graduate