PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Northern Maine Community College honored the Practical Nursing Class of 2024 at its annual Pinning Ceremony on Friday, September 13. The event celebrated the graduates’ achievements in a challenging program, many of whom worked full-time jobs and supported families while pursuing their education.
The Practical Nursing Class of 2024 included Cheyenne Burris; Sophia Woods; Deborah Ciejka; Raymond Conlon; Breanna Cullen; Catherine Graves; Esha Heath; Nicole Hutchinson; Hillary Irving; Brianna Jarman; Emma Johnston; Nickole Landeen; Lori Massey; Emma Menard; Tanya Nichols; Cobie Pinette; Lauri Raymond; Lily Reichard-Finger; Joshua Saucier; Cassi Stoddard; and Marisa Tilley.
The ceremony commenced with a welcome address from Andrew Gagnon, RN, MSN, CCRN, NR-P, CHSE and chair of the Nursing, EMS and Allied Health Department. Angela R. Buck, RN, MSN, FNP-C and interim president of NMCC, delivered the opening remarks, followed by Eileen McDougal BSN, MS, RN, former chair of the Nursing and Allied Health Department and current interim academic dean.
During the event, Lori Massey and Joshua Saucier were recognized with Student Achievement Awards for their outstanding academic and clinical performance. Saucier shared a heartfelt message to the friends and family gathered to honor the graduates.
Faculty member Jemelie McCorison, RN, BSN, was chosen by the graduates as the evening’s guest speaker.
The awarding of pins, a symbol of dedication to the nursing profession, was conducted by Allison Folsom, RN, MSN, Practical Nursing program coordinator. This powerful, symbolic gesture acknowledged the graduate’s hard work and dedication and the unwavering support of family, friends and faculty who walked the journey with them.
Graduates Emma Menard and Hillary Irving represented their classmates as the ceremony’s student speakers, sharing reflections on their educational journey and expressing gratitude for the support they received from faculty and family along the way. Recognizing how, as a class, the graduates stood by each other through both joyful moments and life’s challenges.
Graduates recited the Practical Nurse Pledge, affirming their commitment to compassionate care and the high standards of their profession. Each word echoed their dedication to making a difference in the lives of those they will serve.
Nursing faculty in attendance included Andrew Gagnon, RN, MSN, CCRN, NR-P, CHSE; Allison Folsom, RN, MSN; Jemelie McCorison, RN, BSN; Angela Davis, RN, MSN Ed, CHSE; Heather Bresett, RN, MSN, FNP; and Misty Porter, RN, BSN, CEN.
The pinning ceremony, a cherished tradition in nursing, marked an important milestone for the graduates as they prepare to embark on their careers in healthcare. The event took place at the Northern Maine Community College gymnasium and was followed by a reception.
For more information on NMCC’s nursing programs, visit www.nmcc.edu or contact the NMCC Admissions team at nmccadmissions@mainecc.edu.
