DEMOPOLIS-June graduations are not a tradition in the academic world, however, local students celebrated their own special ceremony yesterday as thirteen students graduated from Safe Sitter Classes at Bryan W. Whitfield Memorial Hospital. The classes were offered Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. and covered everything from life saving skills to business practices.

Chrissy Brooker, Director of Public Relations for the hospital said the classes have gained a strong reputation throughout the years.

“We have been doing this for a long time,” Brooker said. “Some of the members of the original class are now parents. A lot of people wont let their children start babysitting until they take the class.”

Nancy Northcut, who instructed the class, said participants learned a little bit about every aspect of babysitting.

“They learn about first aid, how to handle problem behavior, child and infant rescue breathing and child and infant rescue choking,” Northcut said. “They also learn about babysitting as a business and how to charge and talk to an employer and screen for a job. They also learn about safety program steps.”

Students gathered for two days of instruction and held their graduation ceremonies Friday afternoon.

The program was started in 1980 by a pediatrition as a result of the death of a child. The Safe Sitter program is done all over America, Canada and the world. In Demopolis, graduates must pass a thorough exam. Before graduating students take a written test and do a return demonstration on technique.

This summer two sessions will be offered in June and July. Northcut said 15 students had signed up for the June program and 16 signed were on tap to attend in July.

Northcut said the students learn from trained professionals at each session.

“They have certified instructors,” Northcut said. “Right now they have all nurses teaching it.”

This sessions graduates included Ashley Tanner, of Gallion, Jade Bates, of Forkland, Hayley Chase, of Demopolis, Karmon Andrews, of Demopolis, Sara Catherine Ward, of Linden, Ashley Rhyne, of Demopolis, Sydney Hill, of Demopolis, Conner Cain, of Demopolis, Cynthia McGillberry, of Demopolis, Tori Bonds, of Greensboro, Devin Bonds, of Greensboro, Preston Carpenter, of Demopolis, Katie Hammond, of Demopolis and Kaylee Melton, of Demopolis.