The following local residents graduated from Jefferson College of Health Sciences (JCHS) on Friday, December 14, 2012 during the College’s Winter Commencement ceremony:

* Catherine Zimmerman Belcher of Roanoke (24018) graduated with a Master of Science degree from the Occupational Therapy Program.

* Zachary H. Baker of Roanoke (24018) graduated with a Master of Science degree from the Physician Assistant Program.

* Joshua Aaron Scott Becker of Roanoke (24018) graduated with a Master of Science degree from the Physician Assistant Program.

* Kelly Ann Turner of Roanoke (24018) graduated with a Master of Science degree from the Physician Assistant Program.

* Catherine Elizabeth Willard of Roanoke (24018) graduated with a Master of Science degree from the Physician Assistant Program.

* Johnathon Craig Childress of Roanoke (24018) graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree from the Biomedical Sciences Program.

* Katie Bradshaw Gennosa of Roanoke (24018) graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree from the Nursing Program.

* Sarah Fariss Wilkes of Roanoke (24018) graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree from the Nursing Program.

The ceremony marked the graduation of 124 JCHS students completing their studies at the College for the fall 2012 semester.

JCHS is a private higher education institution that “prepares, within a scholarly environment, ethical, knowledgeable, competent and caring healthcare professionals.” The College focuses on providing healthcare education and is an affiliate of Carilion Clinic. Founded in 1914 as the Jefferson Hospital School of Nursing, JCHS now provides more than 1,000 students with opportunities to become part of the healthcare profession, serving communities from southwest Virginia to the Shenandoah Valley and beyond. The school’s graduates are building healthier tomorrows in our region and across the country every day. More information is available at www.jchs.edu.