Wayne Community College’s Practical Nursing class of 2024 was honored at a pinning ceremony on Monday, marking their transition from students to nurses as they successfully completed their program.
The pins the graduates received were designed by some of the first graduates of WCC’s Practical Nursing program. Students crossed the stage to receive a pin, rose, and scroll presented to them by WCC nursing faculty as they joined over 2,300 alumni from the WCC nursing programs.
“I believe I can speak for all of Wayne Community College when I say that we are all very proud of each one of you,” said WCC Nursing Department Chair Michelle Garon.
The ceremony included the lighting of lamps and a recitation of the practical nursing pledge. Female graduates wore the traditional nurse’s cap designed specifically for WCC’s Practical Nursing program, and the gray stripe on the cap and on male graduates’ sleeves signifies that of a licensed practical nurse.
Alexis McDowell, Practical Nursing graduate and class president, spoke at the pinning ceremony about the program’s rigorous academic and clinical training. “We have learned not just the technical skills required to care for our patients but also the importance of empathy, resilience, and dedication,” she said.
“Remember the passion that brought you here and the dedication that has guided you through,” McDowell said to her fellow graduates. “May we go forth and make a difference in the world, one patient at a time.”
The 13 graduates, listed by city of residence, are
Clayton
Holly Woodard
Goldsboro
Sarah Anderson
Vashita Bell
Imaria Cofield
Anna Creech
Daniel Jeffers
Alexis McDowell
Hayleigh Stocks
Ebony Thomas
Richia Walker
Greenville
Bridget Marino
Pikeville
Deysi Meza-Morales
Seven Springs
Samantha McLamb
WCC Nursing Instructor Bryan Johnson noted the graduates’ dedication and perseverance in completing the program.
“As we honor their accomplishments, we recognize their sacrifices and hard work that made this momentous occasion possible,” he said. “With pride and humility, our graduates embrace their rightful place within the esteemed nursing community, poised to make a positive impact on the lives of many individuals and their families.”
Each year, the nursing faculty selects three graduates to receive special awards for excelling academically and clinically throughout the program. Recipients were given a monetary gift donated by the Foundation of WCC.
The Theoretical Excellence Award was presented to Jeffers, who achieved the highest academic standard in the Practical Nursing program. “This degree of success reflects the graduate’s dedication to knowledge and self-driven motivation for achievement. From the beginning of the nursing program, this recipient has demonstrated a commitment to their own educational journey,” said Johnson.
The Clinical Excellence Award was given to Anderson, recognizing her excellence in the clinical component of the nursing curriculum.
“This graduate consistently sought opportunities to grow and was always prepared, demonstrating an eagerness to learn,” Johnson said. “They actively applied feedback to improve their performance and rose to every challenge given.”
McLamb received the Outstanding Student Award for achieving high standards in both the theoretical and clinical components of the Practical Nursing program while also actively participating in class and professional activities.
“Faculty described this graduate as going above and beyond when caring for patients, always seeking opportunities to grow, and remaining prepared and adaptable to unexpected changes,” said Johnson.
WCC’s limited-admission Practical Nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. It offers a diploma upon successful completion and prepares students to become licensed practical nurses once they pass the National Council Licensure Examination.
