A Washington  and Tyrrell County resident are part of a twenty-three member graduating class from Beaufort County Community College’s 2013 Practical Nursing program

Ashley R. Perry from Plymouth and Chelcie L. Spruill from Columbia  received their nursing school pins Thursday, July 18 in a ceremony, which is a traditional rite of passage for nursing school graduates across the country.

The ceremony was held at on the BCCC campus before an audience of about 250 college administrators, faculty and staff as well as family and friends of the graduates.

In her faculty address, Aino Jackson, lead Practical Nursing instructor, told the class members that they had changed from their first day as new nursing students to graduates who are confident in their skills.

But, she told them:

“Your nursing journey has just begun.”

She encouraged them to build on their foundation to continue learning, care about their profession, find a good mentor and work with a supportive team.”

In student comments, Brandy Hill, class president, thanked the instructors and family members for their support.

“It was worth everything we sacrificed to be here today,”she said. “Best of luck with everything you do and always remember to be the best that you can be.”

Pinning ceremonies in their currently recognizable form began in 1893. The pin is awarded to the nurse to recognize the achievement of entering the profession and to signify a nursing school graduates affiliation with a specific nursing school.

The graduates are now qualified to take the state licensure examination.

They are Kimberly N. Allen, Blanca S. Angeles, Theresa Barnes, Theresa A. Branton, Lori A. Craft, Charlene Douglas, Chiquitta M. Evans, Tammy L. Foreman, Klenettye M. Frett, Danielle C. Harris, Felicity U. Hicks, Brandy N. Hill, Isis Y. James, Deidre M. Moore, Ashley R. Perry, Mandy Sanders, Patrick E. Small, Chelcie L. Spruill, Kristin S. Thomas, Jennifer L. Webster, Courtney L. Welch, Kristen B. Whitehurst and Tishara M. Worthington.

For more information about the Practical Nursing program at BCCC, contact Aino Jackson at 252-940-6395 or visit the BCCC website at www.beaufortccc.edu.