MOUNT VERNON — Practical nursing students at the Knox County Career Center have reached the halfway point on their quest to become nursing professionals. Families and friends gathered Thursday to celebrate that achievement as the students participated in a traditional capping ceremony to mark the occasion.
Angela Bailey, a graduate of the LPN class of 2007, gave the recognition address. She told the students it was an honor to be able to help them celebrate the accomplishment of having made it this far in their journey to becoming a nurse. “It is an honor to wear the cap your are about to receive,” Bailey said, “because you worked so hard to earn it. Let me express my heartfelt congratulations to all the nursing students. Today is a great day for all of you, as through this ceremony you are reaping the fruit of your hard work so far in the program. ... There will be a lot of challenges out there in the work force, but with this program under your belt you can be very successful in your chosen field. ... It’s a hard journey, but you guys can do it. I salute and congratulate you for a job well done.”
Tina Plasse, the program’s coordinator, before capping each student in turn, told them all, “You’ve worked hard and made many sacrifices, and so have your families. I’m so proud of you.”
After the recognition ceremony, attendance certificates were awarded to several students and class president Adam Smith led his student colleagues in reciting the practical nursing promise.
Members of the LPN Class of 2008 are: Kristin Bailey, Kimberly Barlow, Amy Betancourt, Casey Betscher, Amber Carrier, Colleen Cochran, Courtney Crist, Janel Cunningham, Genoia Davis, Tiffany Dominguez, Alexandra Freeman, Connie Green, Harley Hanna, Britney Hershberger, Barbara Hinds, Amy Hout, Kassie Jacobs, Gloria Jones, Jackie Jones, Sarah Kirk, Jeanne Magers, Angela Milks, Katelin Miller, Tiffany Nelson, Jada Palm, Amanda Price, Donna Reading, Sirena Roach, Michelle Rockwell, Sinda Roman, Brittany Santo, Sara Saxton, Adam Smith, Kathryn Squires, Amber Stevens, Vicky Tenpenny, Dyanna Vess, Rochelle Waggoner, Heather Weckesser, Jeanette Wells and Brenda Wolford.
