RIDGELAND, Miss. — Holmes Community College celebrated the achievements of the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Class of 2026 during a formal pinning ceremony held May 11 at the Ridgeland High School Auditorium. The ceremony recognized 25 graduates who completed the rigorous requirements of the ADN program, a tradition of excellence at the college since its establishment in 1982.

Graduates of the ADN Class of 2026 included Salayah Jewel Barnes of Flowood, Rowdy Scout Bishop of Vicksburg, Hunter Colby Burwell of Brandon, Ashely Nechole Butler of Jackson, Jenny Rae Clark of Yazoo City, Emily Katherine De Lashmet of Madison, Olivia Carol Dutro of Madison, Robert Lee Elbert III of Jackson, Abigail Nicole Ellzey of Pelahatchie, Kalicia Amaya Tiara Goldman of Canton, Anna Carol Gowan of Kosciusko, Peyton Grace Johnson of Brandon, Mary Claire Mayo of Gluckstadt, Joanna Dallas Mills of Puckett, Chauncey Elizabeth Paige of Jackson, Hannah Alexus Rigby of Vicksburg, Shyuanna Nicole Rodgers of Jackson, Shakara Chrysanthemum Roper of Edwards, Tilia Sanders of Union Church, Sara Kathryn Self of Gluckstadt, Monisa Chantay Stallion of Clinton, Shaterrica Monet Sumler of Flora, Angela Marie Tucker of Brandon, Stanleyesha Sharay Warren of Brandon and Marquese Laterrian Wright of Ridgeland.

During the ceremony, Salayah Barnes was named ADN Student of the Year. Program Chair and Assistant Director Dr. Alice Austin praised Warren for her dedication and leadership throughout the program.

“She exemplified the highest standards of academic excellence, professionalism and integrity that our nursing program strives to cultivate,” Dr. Austin said. “With an outstanding overall GPA, she has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication to her studies. She performs at a high level across all coursework and approaches clinical experiences with diligence, critical thinking and a genuine commitment to mastering the material. Besides academic achievements she is also respectful, professional and supportive in all interactions with faculty and her peers. She contributes positively to the learning environment and consistently upholds the values of nursing – compassion, accountability and collaboration. Congratulations!”

Dr. Bronwyn Martin, vice president of the Ridgeland Campus, opened the event with a welcome address to graduates, faculty and guests. Following Dr. Martin, Tucker gave the opening prayer. The program also featured a presentation on the history and symbolism of the nursing pin and candle by Dr. Alicia Turner, followed by recognition of scholarships and the presentation of ADN Student of the Year by Dr. Austin. The formal pinning was conducted by nursing faculty members Niki Walker, Danette Tannehill, Dr. Alicia Turner, Lakeshia McGowan and Dr. Jennifer Bertucci.

After receiving their pins, the graduates joined instructor Cindy Bridges in reciting the Florence Nightingale Pledge, a solemn vow to practice the profession faithfully, maintain the elevated standards of nursing and devote themselves to the welfare of their patients.

The ceremony concluded with a closing prayer offered by Rodgers.

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IN THIS PHOTO: Pictured is the Holmes Community College Ridgeland Campus Associate Degree Nursing Class of 2026. They are (front row, left to right)Joanna Mills of Puckett, Tilia Sanders of Union Church, Hannah Rigby of Vicksburg, Anna Gowan of Kosciusko, Peyton Johnson of Brandon, Mary Claire Mayo of Gluckstadt, Shyuanna Rodgers of Jackson, Kalicia Goldman of Canton, Emily DeLashmet of Madison, (middle row, left to right) Marquese Wright of Ridgeland, Monisa Stallion of Clinton, Ashely Nechole Butler of Jackson, Shakara Roper of Edwards, Shaterrica Sumler of Flora, Sara Self of Gluckstadt, Abigail Ellzey of Pelahatchie, (back row, left to right) Chauncey Paige of Jackson, Jenny Clark of Yazoo City, Rowdy Bishop of Vicksburg, Salayah Barnes of Flowood, Stanleyesha Warren of Brandon, Robert Lee Elbert III of Jackson, Hunter Burwell of Brandon, Olivia Dutro of Madison and Angela Tucker of Brandon.