MT. VERNON —
After working for many years as a program assistant in a severe behavior disorder program, Laura Lemons, 40, was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a bilateral mastectomy. However, due to the side effects of the mastectomy, she was unable to physically work with the children she was responsible for.
“I was placed in a new program that was less restrictive,” she explained. “When that program closed, I ended up on temporary disability due to no light duty.”
When deciding what to do with the rest of her life, she knew she had to return to college.
“I considered the surgery technology program, but when my doctor suggested the respiratory therapy program, I tried it and it seemed to be my niche. I have always had an interest in the medical field so it seemed to be a natural fit.”
A 1982 graduate of Mt. Vernon Township High School, Lemons felt that returning to college after so many years would be a tremendous challenge.
“My 4-year-old grandson lives with me so I enrolled him in the (Kaskaskia College) Children’s Learning Center and he was my car companion while I was in class,” she said. “The Learning Center at Kaskaskia is the best around, and the support that I got from them with my grandson was a tremendous help. I also had great support from my husband which was invaluable in my being successful. Respiratory Therapy Professor Beth Urban is very dedicated to her work and provided me with the tools I needed to be successful in the program as well.”
On May 14, Lemons graduated with a 4.0 grade point average from the KC Respiratory Therapy Program. While at KC, she was also a member of Phi Theta Kappa and was president of the Respiratory Therapy Club. Lemons now plans to receive her bachelor’s degree in health science and respiratory care from Grand Canyon University.
“Laura was an exceptional and very conscientious student,” stated Beth Urban, director of the KC Respiratory Therapy Program. “With every task given during her time in the program she always went above and beyond the expectations. Laura was the kind of student that every program director dreams of having.”
Laura is now working at St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon as a registered respiratory therapist. Her husband, Rodger, also chose to return to college, taking classes towards an Associate in Arts Degree. Laura and Rodger’s family consists of son Matthew and wife Amber Lemons, son Adam and wife Teigan Lemons, Rachel Lemons and Jacob Lemons. They are also the proud grandmother of Kaleb Keele, Ember Lemons and Ryan Lemons and are expecting two more grandchildren this year.
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Area woman returns to college at 46
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Veteran committee members leave office
MT. VERNON – Two long-time local committee members have left office, but are looking forward to their lives after public service. Bill Short, 77, had been a member of the Mt. Vernon Tourism Advisory Board for over eight years. He was recently voted
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The Gett'n Place gives back
Patty Cockrum and her daughter, Emily Strain, sort through baby clothes while getting ready for a free clothing giveaway at The Gettn Place on Saturday. Cockrum holds the annual event to give back to families in need. TESA GLASS/REGISTER-NEWS
MT. VERNON — Patty Cockrum of The Gett'n Place consignment and resale shop opened her doors to give back not only to people in need, but to farm animals. "It started with Pretty Boy," Cockrum said. "He's a miniature donkey and the reason for everyth
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Workforce program going online
MT. VERNON — The Jefferson County Development Corporation Worldclass Workforce program is expanding and going online. "We have engaged the services of the curriculum writing company, Bluestreak Learning Co., to write the program," said JCDC Executiv
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Tournament deadline extended
MT. VERNON — The team sign-up deadline for the Max Hoopster Gus Macker 3-on-3 Tournament has been extended. "We want to give everyone the opportunity to participate," said Bonnie Jerdon, member of the Mt. Vernon Festivals Committee. "We're in the fin
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Appraisals ongoing for MVTHS property
MT. VERNON – Efforts are underway to appraise the market value of the Mount Vernon Township High School campus, but no price estimates have yet been announced. Officials hope to sell some or all of the buildings at the site to help pay for the $72.8
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- Council hears report on DMDC
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Veteran committee members leave office
