Families and friends gathered Friday to celebrate the graduation of Lanier Technical College’s class of 2012 at Free Chapel Worship Center.This year, Lanier Tech had a total of 1,419 graduates. This included 190 associates degrees, 473 diplomas and 756 technical certificates.The college’s five campuses include Oakwood, Winder, Forsyth, Dawson and Jackson counties.Lanier Tech President Russell Vandiver said the number of graduates for the past few years has been above normal.“Our enrollment traditionally goes up when the economy goes bad,” he said. “When people lose their jobs, they come back for additional training to either move up in their field or enter another field.”In addition, there has been a rise in the number of high school students with dual enrollment at Lanier Tech.