-information courtesy of VGCC Public Information Officer Courtney Cissel
The Vance-Granville Community College School of Health Sciences’ Medical Assisting and Practical Nursing programs honored 14 students at their very first joint pinning ceremony on July 24. Family, friends, faculty and VGCC leaders attended the ceremony, which took place at the Civic Center on the Main Campus.
VGCC Vice President Kim Sepich offered a welcome and congratulations to the students upon successful completion of their programs. Dr. Mercedes Kamoru, program head for Medical Assisting, had five students honored at the ceremony. Nursing instructor Leslie Parrott had nine students honored.
Both programs had a student speaker who spoke on behalf of their peers, reflecting on their shared journey. Normalejandra Avila-Velazquez represented the Medical Assisting program, and Taushua Alston-Eaton represented the Practical Nursing program. The graduates expressed their gratitude to the faculty for their dedication and mentorship. They also thanked their families and friends for their unwavering support throughout their educational journey. The atmosphere was filled with emotion as graduates shared personal stories of their experiences and the impact of their loved ones’ encouragement.
The pinning ceremony is a rite of passage in the medical assisting and nursing profession, symbolizing the completion of rigorous training and the beginning of a career dedicated to caring for others. Each graduate was called to the stage, where they received their pin from a family member with faculty assisting them. The pins, shining brightly, represented not only the graduates’ academic achievements but also their readiness to serve with compassion and excellence.
Dr. Angela Thomas, dean of Health Sciences, led the Medical Assisting students through the Medical Assisting Creed; Dr. Brande McIlroy led the Nursing students through the Nursing Pledge and the traditional lighting of the lamps.
The pinning ceremony marks the end of one journey and the beginning of another. The Class of 2024 is now ready to take on the challenges and rewards of the Medical Assisting and Practical Nursing professions, armed with the education, experience and passion to make a meaningful impact on their patients’ lives.
Those who could not attend may view the event’s livestream on the College’s YouTube page.
VGCC Medical Assisting Class of 2024:
- Normalejandra Avila-Velazquez
- Kimberly Ayscue
- Amber Bolton
- Amaya Sneed
- Yolanda Taylor
VGCC Practical Nursing Class of 2024:
- Taushua Alston-Eaton
- Alexus Barnes
- Susan Chebet
- Evelyn Faucette
- Regina Nderitu
- Enock Tanui
- Toshiba Valentine
- Dawn Williams
- Jennifer Young
Visit www.vgcc.edu to learn more.