July 25, 2023
A commencement ceremony for graduates of East Mississippi Community College’s Practical Nursing program took place July 25 in the Lyceum Auditorium on the college’s Golden Triangle campus.
EMCC Vice President of Operations Dr. Paul Miller provided the welcome. The guest speaker was Director of Collegiate Ministries Sam Ivy. EMCC President Dr. Scott Alsobrooks and Vice President of Instruction Dr. James Rush confirmed the graduates. Closing remarks were provided by Director of Nursing programs and Associate Dean of Health Sciences Jamonicia Johnson.
Several awards were presented during the ceremony by Practical Nursing instructors Jemeica Arnold, Reginald Askew and Michelle Melton. Melton presented Reagan Weigand with the Nightingale Award.
“This is the highest award that can be received in a program of nursing,” Melton said. “We give the Nightingale Award to one student who has shown excellence in clinicals, and has been a student that others look up to for their caring and compassion in all areas of nursing. This person exhibits concern and compassion for the class as well as patients.”
Weigand also garnered a Clinical Excellence Award and was recognized as a member of the National Association of Licensed Practical Nurses Honor Society, which is the honor society for members of the Student Nursing Association for Practical Nursing Students (SPNA).
Other Clinical Excellence Award recipients were Sierra Guzman, Loretta Asare, Christy Harbour, Labridgette Curry and Traneka Reed. Other members of the National Association of Licensed Practical Nursing Honor Society are Sierra Guzman and Christy Harbour.
Guzman received the Scholastic Achievement Award for having the highest GPA in the graduating class. Harbour received the Leadership and Service Award.
“The Leadership and Service Award is awarded to a student that demonstrates leadership abilities throughout nursing school, shows potential for leadership in the profession, is actively involved in SPNA, shows an enthusiastic commitment to the profession of nursing and demonstrates service to the profession, to the community and to the college,” Askew said.
Officers of the SPNA were also recognized during the ceremony. They are: Christy Harbour, president; Alkeita Cannon, vice-president; Nina Randle, secretary; and photographers Keri Cohea, Zabasjia Price and Regina Williams.
The Class of 2023 Practical Nursing graduates are Mario Alvarez; Loretta Asare; Alkeita V. Cannon; Keri Cohea; Reagan Eaves; Labridgette Curry; Jessica J. Deanes; Christen Green; Sierra Guzman; Christy Harbour; Nakiera D. Howard; Julian Perkins; Zabasjia B. Price; Nina Marie Randle; Hannah Grace Ray; Traneka Reed; Reagan Weigand; Regina Williams; Brianna S. Young
"Being a first-generation student at EMCC is not a limitation, it's an opportunity to rewrite my family's story. Every class I attend, every assignment I complete, is a step towards a brighter future. I am a pioneer, and my determination will light the way for those who follow."
“I chose EMCC because it gave me the best opportunities coming out of high school. I got plenty of scholarships because the school offered so many. I would not have been able to do half of the things that I have done if i didn’t come here. First generation students are already at a disadvantage. If you are able to you should get an education to break the generational curse and create generational wealth for your family. Education is the most powerful tool.”
“As a first gen student, I feel that it is important to obtain a college education because it gives me the opportunity to break barriers for the next generation of my family. I choose EMCC because of the opportunity to get a great education and to make a difference on campus, in the community, and in my family.”
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