Students in Class 159 of the Lancaster County Career & Technology Center’s Practical Nursing program celebrated their graduation on Thursday, December 16, at 5 pm, at the Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences. Approximately 100 friends and family members attended to cheer on the fledgling nurses. The ceremony was also live streamed online for additional viewers.
One by one, the graduates files onto the auditorium stage to accept their diploma, their nursing pin, and the accolades of their friends and family. The pinning portion of the ceremony is a tradition where experienced nurses welcome new nurses to the calling by presenting them with a ceremonial pin.
The students shared the Nurses Pledge where they promised to adhere to the code of ethics for Nursing, not do anything evil or malicious, not reveal any confidential information, and raise the power and prestige of Practical Nursing. Following that, they held the traditional Presentation of the Lamp ceremony. This ceremony is a symbolic passing of knowledge from faculty to students and from nurse to nurse rooted in the ancient practice of one nurse coming on duty taking the flame from the lamp from the nurse who was standing down. After the Nurses’ Prayer and closing remarks, the new graduates headed into the lobby to celebrate with their loved ones.
Congratulations to all of the new graduates! You make us all proud!
AWARD RECIPIENTS FOR COHORT 159
Valedictorian – Sarah Saenen-Sload
Salutatorian – Michelle Reinke
Elizabeth Graham Award – Jacqueline Stuber
The Elizabeth Graham Award is presented to the student who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to the ideals of the Practical Nursing Program, through clinical nursing excellence.
Sara B. Shea Leadership Award – Sarah Saenen-Sload
The Sara B. Shea Leadership Award is awarded to the student who promoted the ideals of the Practical Nursing Program through the utilization of their leadership skills
Service Award – Jessica Ortiz
The Service Award goes to the student who has given time and effort most meaningfully in service to the school or class through participation in activities other than those directly related to the program of studies.
Excellence in Gerontology Award – Samantha Price
The Excellence in Gerontology Award is sponsored by Willow Valley Retirement Communities and is awarded to the student who has demonstrated outstanding clinical nursing excellence in the field of gerontology.
Perfect Attendance – Samantha Price
Maryanne Leuby Memoiral Scholarship – Jacqueline Stuber
NEW – Workforce Talent-Healthcare Award – Sabrina Prince and Jessica Ortiz
The Workforce Talent Healthcare Award is a new award from the Lancaster County Career & Technology Foundation. Thanks to a significant contribution from the Medical Bureau of Lancaster, the LCCTF developed a scholarship award presented to a LCCTC Practical Nursing student that embodies outstanding qualities of leadership, service, grades and attendance along with strong determination to continue and thrive in a career in the Healthcare industry. The award amount is $7500 (approximately 50% of the cost of tuition for the program). It was the wish of the Medical Bureau of Lancaster to put dollars back into the community and help to make a difference in a graduate’s life as they start their healthcare career.
Congratulations to all of the award winners!
PRACTICAL NURSING COHORT 159 GRADUATES
Nina Benjamin
Natalie Bernstein
Patience Burd
Melissa Cox-Castillo
Allegra Coursey
Daylin De Jesus-Lopez
Kemija Dixon
James Gamble
Veronica Goyco
Kristina Hershey
Fatima Huremovic
Adelaide Meyer
Jessica Ortiz
Wendison Pierre
Samantha Price
Sabrina Prince
Michelle Lynne Reineke
Sarah Sload
Merlin Stoltzfus
Jacqueline Stuber
Janae Thompson
Jasmine Torres
Brittney Wagner
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