TIJT graduates honored during May 9 ceremonies

Published or Revised May 13, 2013

Paris Junior College's Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology held it's spring semester award ceremony Thursday, May 9, in the Ray Karrer Theater for students completing jewelry technology, gemology, bench technician, computer aided jewelry design and casting. Shannon Calloway, TIJT instructor, introduced Megan Thorne as keynote speaker. Thorne, originally from Texarkana, Texas, is a 2004 graduate of PJC's jewelry program who has had a phenomenal career. Founding her own company in 2007, Megan Thorne Fine Jewels in Fort Worth, Texas, she is both owner and designer. "It was nine years exactly since I was sitting in these seats when I graduated from PJC in 2004," Thorne said. "You are getting such a fantastic foundation of understanding for how jewelry is made." She explained how many kinds of jobs are open to those getting the different certificates. Whether working at a small or chain jewelry store, large retailer or repair companies, independent design companies, gem sales, wholesale or retail sales, there are a lot of opportunities. CAD companies and laser welding specialty companies need workers. Companies need knowledgeable sales people at shows and technology representatives to visit stores. Watchmaking skills are in high demand at factories. "It's an exciting time to be entering the jewelry industry and with so many possibilities for careers you have the opportunity to excel in whatever area that appeals to you, so find out what you love and specialize in just that," Thorne said. "When you love what you do, when you find joy in challenges and when you really pursue knowledge you'll become the type of jeweler who will always be able to find a team and a home and a livelihood. With so much uncertainty in the marketplace, having a real skill to work from is a fantastic safety net." The Stuller Awards for Excellence given by Stuller Inc., of Lafayette, La., provides company credits to aid graduates in obtaining needed supplies. Stuller, Inc. is a company supplying tools, findings, and materials needed in the industry. The $500 Platinum Award went to Haley E. Hughes of Quitman. The $300 Gold Award was given to Steven L. Duncan of Houston. The $200 Silver Award was presented to Kerby Daniel Dewbre of Morton. Jesse Melissa Berry of White Wright was awarded the $100 Bronze Award. Gemology graduates include Shirley Kanton of Greenville; Crystal Spencer of Lubbock; Jessica Whitney Walla of Bedford; Cynthia D. Hill of Hooker, Okla.; and Hannah R. Beaman of Brayton, Iowa. Jessica Suzanne West of Cooper and Steven L. Duncan of Houston completed the Jewelry Technology program. Receiving Bench Technician certificates are Cole Mark Love of Talpa and Maria Nelsen of Clearwater, Fla. Computer Aided Jewelry Design graduates include Brandon Darryl Jones of Paris; Ryan Kathleen Harmon of Dallas; Kerby Daniel Dewbre of Morton; Miranda Marie Wiedenfeld of Nederland; Jesse Marie Berry of White Wright; Hannah E. Pickett of Wylie; Ricardo Ruiz of Duncanville; Angelica L. Guevara of Laredo; Raul Flores, Jr. of San Antonio; and Jorge Cunha of Cincinnati, Ohio. Casting certificates were presented to Brandon Darryl Jones of Paris; Haley E. Hughes of Quitman; Jessica Suzanne West of Cooper; Ryan Kathleen Harmon of Dallas; Ricardo Ruiz of Duncanville; Crystal Spencer of Lubbock; Jessica Whitney Walla of Bedford; and Josephine Lynn Pavlica of Winterset, Iowa. The overall winner in the Student Association Design Contest was Steven L. Duncan. Duncan also won first place in Finished Pieces. Hannah Beaman won the Beading contest. First place in Rendering went to Jessica Walla. The Wax Carving winner was Melissa Walden. Cynthia Hill won first place in Lapidary Arts. First place winner in Art Metals was Ryan Harmon. Hannah Pickett won first in in the CAD Finished Piece category. The CAD/CAM winner was Raul Flores, Jr. First place in the Steam Punk category was Ryan Pagoria. Ryan Klimas won first place in the newly added Restoration category. Following ceremonies the graduates joined family and friends for a reception.