The Wayne County Schools Career Center Adult Practical Nursing program held commencement exercises recently for its 20 daytime class graduates at West Hill Baptist Church.
Valedictorian was Trina Duncan, who graduated with honors and had perfect attendance over the 12-month class. Lindsey Thompson received the Mary Darl Mastrine and Kay A. Myers Scholarship.
Graduates Sarah Huffman, Suzanne Hilty and Amy Tafur opened the ceremonies with a welcome, blessing and the Florence Nightingale pledge.
Jackie Shrock, Practical Nursing coordinator, presented the class to Andrew Cerniglia, Career and Technical supervisor of Practical Nursing. Cerniglia read the name of all graduates as they received their diplomas and pins.
Class president Sonny Garretson spoke on behalf of all the graduates.
We made it, Garretson said. After all they did to prevent it, he added jokingly. This past year has grown into an amazing journey that none of us will soon forget. All of these skills prepare us for the real world. He thanked the clinical instructors who taught the foundational knowledge and skills.
You made sure we knew the basics, he continued. The first day of clinicals brings back so many memories. They actually let us take care of real people. We have come a long way to be where we are today. He thanked everyone who supported them throughout the year: families, friends and classmates.
He quoted Dr. Seuss: You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. Youre on your own. And you know what you know. And you are the one wholl decide where to go.
You will change the world that lies before you, Garretson concluded. He encouraged his peers to embrace and conquer any challenges they face. Be the nurse you wanted to be, he said, when this idea of nursing bloomed into your personal reality.
He quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson who said, What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you.
Katelyn Bennett and Mariah Gibbons presented a rose to instructors Dawn Tresch, Jackie Shrock, Joan Kanne and Fran Gengo. Daniel Barone and Heather Nudd gave the closing. A reception followed the ceremony.
Other graduates were: Jacob Blough, Maria Boyd, Alissa Christopher, Kristin Harris, Shandell Kelly, Tina Killman, Sara Marty, Michelle Murray, Michelle OBrien and Erika Wolfe.
