Sixteen Isothermal Community College practical nursing students were awarded their caps and pins at a special ceremony recently.

The Capping and Pinning Ceremony, held at The Foundation, is the traditional graduation event for the students in the Practical Nursing program.

The graduates of the 2017 class are Brenda Janeth Barrios, Caitlin Elizabeth Bragg, Allison Olivia Bumgarner, Hannah Victoria Goode, Heather Elizabeth Harbison, Destiny McDade Hoots, Melissa Dawn Hudson, Samone Keyshauna Jones, Lisa Fisher Kucharchuk, Katherine Merriweather, Jennifer Leigh Metzker, Shannon Moore, Alyssa Danielle Parris, Kimberly Blackwell Raines, Ashley Hope Simmons and Maria Velasco.

After marching into the processional, “Pomp and Circumstance” and hearing an invocation by Minister JoAnn Woods, the new nurses were welcomed by Dr. Johnny Smith, Isothermal’s dean of Health and Public Services. Announcements were made by Dr. Kim Amos, interim director of the Practical Nursing program, before the commencement address by Dr. Smith, and special music by Norma Mott, MSN RN. Amos presented awards to the class. Throughout the remainder of the ceremony, Dr. Amos was assisted by Carole Kohler, MSN RN, and Erin Maietta, BSN RN. After the presentation of roses and lamps, there was a candle lighting ceremony and Rev. Woods gave the benediction.

The class officers were also recognized. They are: Caitlin Bragg, president; Samone Jones, vice president; Melissa Hudson, secretary; Alyssa Danielle Parris, treasurer; and Jennifer Metzker, class representative.

– article submitted by Mike Gavin