Congratulations to Practical Nursing Cohort 158 Graduates

By Press release submission

Sep 2, 2021

Lancaster County Ctc-Willow St. Campus issued the following announcement on Aug. 26.

The latest class of Practical Nursing students celebrated their graduation on Wednesday, August 25, at 5 pm, at the Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences. This was the first time that Practical Nursing has used this venue for a graduation and over one hundred friends and family members attended to cheer on the fledgling nurses. The ceremony was also live streamed online for additional viewers.

Lavon Herschberger, Practical Nursing instructor, took the podium to announce the individual graduates and invite each one on stage to accept their diploma and receive their nursing pin. The first row of a dozen almost-graduates stood and waited patiently for their turn.

“Reminds me of waiting for check offs,” Herschberger commented with a laugh, referring to the line of students that always grew as each one waited to demonstrate a skill to an instructor and have that skill “checked off” their list of requirements.

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 158

Valedictorian – Michelle Ward

Salutatorian – Jolyn Martin

Elizabeth Graham Award – Tiffany Cruse

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 – Jolyn Martin

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

Excellence in Gerontology Award – Ayesha Garcia

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.

Practical Nursing Cohort 158 Graduates

Eric Atta Anim

Samantha Badio

Ashley Lauren Chantler

Tiffany Renee Cruse

Chantel M. Elliott

Ayesha Ahshaki Garcia

Regina Pam Haldeman

Brittany Nicole Huber

Tammy Shawn Hynicker

Tayonia Monique Jordan

Lashae Lynn Kenly