Allison Finley
Contributor
On Tuesday, July 26, North Florida College (NFC) held its traditional pinning ceremony for its Bachelor of Science Degree Nursing Class of 2022. Graduates made their way to the stage in Van H. Priest Auditorium to be honored and recognized for their pursuit of a baccalaureate degree.
The pinning ceremony is held for each graduating class of nurses at NFC as it marks the next chapter for each student's career. Students were received by the NFC Nursing and Allied Health faculty and staff. For many, the true honor was having a family member or close friend conduct the ceremonial pinning.
Guest speaker for the evening was Maricela Valadez, MSN, RN who was a member of NFC's inaugural BSN class.
Special recognition was given to Kathy Esser of Bay County, as she received the Outstanding Student Award. Rebekah Pitts from Madison County was honored with the Leadership Award.
"During an economic challenge and pandemic, these graduates decided to further their education," said NFC Associate Dean for Nursing and Allied Health Dr. James D. Holland. "Their dedication and drive will be the reason they will be successful and do great things in healthcare."
NFC's Registered Nursing Class of 2022 will be recognized and receive diplomas during the College's regular Fall Commencement Ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022.
"The graduates of our program recognize the importance of lifelong learning in the nursing profession," said NFC Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing faculty Dr. Anna Kelley. "Some will leave NFC using the professional nursing degree as a foundation for advanced practice nursing, academia, or administrative positions. Others will assume leadership positions on units in which they currently are employed. No matter the path they choose, they have all taken a step toward improving quality and safety of patient care and will make a difference in the lives of their patients."
The Bachelor of Science online program is designed specifically for Registered Nurses who have completed an Associate in Science Degree in Nursing (ADN-RN) and desire to enhance their credentials with a baccalaureate degree.
NFC's Bachelor of Science Degree Nursing Class of 2022 is:
• Taylor Adkins, Lafayette
• Mary Altman, Hamilton
• Cassey Andrews, Madison
• Karis Rewis Boatright, Alachua
• Nemi Bonnie, Leon
• Victoria Brock, Jefferson
• Takiesha Brown, Lowndes, Ga.
• Tony Davis, Madison
• Kinley Dormon, Taylor
• Kathy Esser, Bay
• Kendra Hamrick, Madison
• Taneka McDaniel, Madison
• Jennifer Meyer, Madison
• Brittany Peters, Gadsden
• Rebekah Pitts, Madison
• Jennifer Raulerson, Suwannee
• Victoria Baker Robinson, Gadsden
• Megan Stager, Taylor
• Megan Strickland, Madison
• Amanda Williams, Dixie
Special recognition and awards:
• Kathy Esser- Outstanding Student Award, Bay
• Rebekah Pitts- Leadership Award, Madison