In the auditorium of the Elmhurst Hospital Center in Queens, 13 new graduates of the Psychiatric/Social Health Technician Training program anxiously awaited the high point of the ceremony when they would proudly receive their new certificates.

"The course was tough, but we made it through," said Charles Reveillac, as he looked at his certificate with a big smile on his face.

Along with a dozen other Nurses Aides, Mr. Reveillac completed a four-week training course and graduated on Sept. 20 to the higher job title. The training course usually takes eight weeks.

Municipal Hospital Employees Union Local 420 President Carmen Charles gave the keynote address at the graduation. "Today I feel like a very proud mother," she told the new Techs.

"Don't let anybody tell you that your job is not important."

"We'll never let this hospital down," said Ms. Zeta Chisolm, who spoke on behalf of the graduates and thanked the hospital staff for the excellent training they received.

"I'm very proud of my mother," said Sharon Clarke who came all the way from Brooklyn to see Ms. Chisolm graduate. "It shows that you're never too old to learn something new."

DC 37 Hospitals Division Director Johnnie Locus also addressed the graduates.

She reminded them of the union's role in getting the hospital to provide the training to have them promoted. "We pushed for a long time to have you upgraded," said Ms. Locus.

The 13 Psychiatric/Social Health Technicians will continue to work at the Elmhurst Hospital Center and the Queens Hospital Center.

—Alfredo Alvarado