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The Holmes Community College Ridgeland Campus held a pinning ceremony on June 26 at Olde Towne Community Church to honor the Practical Nursing Class of 2025. The event recognized 15 graduates: Tyakia Allen of Jackson, Akia Destiny Brown of Vicksburg, Ian Burnette of Madison, Natalie Butler of Raymond, Lexie Cole Davis of Pearl, Gabriela Flores of Ridgeland, Deana Grossley of Jackson, Alexis Guth of Madison, Helen Hancock of Bentonia, Kassidy Irby of Pearl, Camryn Lofton of Jackson, Patricia Marinelli of Madison, Shakahai “Lucy” Reeves of Goodman, Riana Scott of Jackson and Jasmine Jayonna Williamson of Camden.
The ceremony began with a processional of the graduates, followed by an invocation led by Marinelli, the class secretary-treasurer. Following the prayer, Ridgeland Campus Vice President Dr. Bronwyn Martin and Director of Health Science Allison DeWeese offered welcoming remarks to the audience.
“Becoming a nurse is never an easy journey,” Dr. Martin said. “It tests your endurance, patience and empathy every step of the way. Becoming a nurse is more than a career – it’s a calling. Every person you will care for has a unique story and your compassionate experience will leave a lasting impact. Continue to let your light shine bright and let others see God’s good works in and through you. Congratulations and may God bless you as you begin this new chapter.”
Davis, the class president, then offered remarks on behalf of the Practical Nursing Class of 2025.
“I want to give a big thank you to our friends and family for supporting us in this journey one way or another,” Davis said. “I also want to thank our instructors for always having your office doors open when we needed reassurance. God has a plan for each and every one of us in this room. Whether you continue your education or go straight to work, or if you want to take some time off and say, have a baby, God will always be there to walk with you. God has a purpose for each and every one of us. Congratulations to my fellow classmates!”
Following Davis’ address, PN Instructor Heather Roberts presented a few special awards. Irby was honored as valedictorian for having the highest GPA in the class, Butler was recognized as salutatorian for having the second highest GPA and Lofton, as class historian, for having the third highest. Roberts also announced that Butler was chosen as Practical Nursing Student of the Year.
“This student has shown exceptional leadership in the clinical and classroom setting,” Roberts said. “It is the highest honor the faculty can bestow upon a student in our class. This student has shown not only academic determination and competency in the clinical setting, but also humility and genuine compassion. She has demonstrated what it means to conduct one’s self as a professional, in and out of the classroom.”
After the awards presentation, Practical Nursing Instructor Dr. Lakesia Sutton called the students to the stage one-by-one to receive their certificates and pins. Dr. Martin and DeWeese presented certificates before Roberts pinned each student. Following the pinning, Roberts explained and led the candle lighting before Davis led the graduates in reciting the Practical Nurse’s Pledge. Finally, Dr. Sutton concluded the program by presenting the Class of 2025 Marinelli gave the benediction.
For more information about the Holmes Practical Nursing program, contact Career Technical Counselor Jovonna Parker at (601) 605-3355 or jparker@holmescc.edu.
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IN THIS PHOTO: Pictured is the Holmes Community College Ridgeland Campus Practical Nursing Class of 2025 with their instructors. Pictured are (front row, left to right) PN Instructor Dr. Lakesia Sutton, Jasmine Williamson, Tyakia Allen, Gabriela Flores, Alexis Guth, Natalie Butler, PN Instructor Heather Roberts, (middle row, left to right) Camryn Lofton, Patricia Marinelli, Akia Destiny Brown, Kassidy Irby, Deana Grossley,(back row, left to right)Riana Scott, Lucy Reeves, Helen Hancock, Ian Burnette and Lexie Davis.
