MOUNT VERNON — Students in the two-year program at the Knox County Career Center School of Practical Nursing have reached the halfway point in their studies, and on Thursday family and friends joined them for a celebration recognizing that accomplishment — the traditional capping ceremony. Caps are tradtionally awarded to students when they are ready to begin their clinical training.
Adult Workforce Supervisor Ken Boeshart served as master of ceremonies for the evening, and welcomed those in attendance. He praised the student nurses for their perseverance and tenacity in spite of occasional obstacles and setbacks.
“You only have a year to go,” he said. “You have a lot of support in your family and friends. Take things one day at a time, and pretty soon the week is over, the month is over, the year is over, and you’ll wonder where all the time has gone.”
Carlana Coogle was the keynote speaker for the event, and reminded the student nurses of the “huge legacy and tradition” the nurse’s cap represents, going back to Florence Nightingale’s day. She said that nursing caps are seldom worn today, and expressed the wish that the student would wear them, and the legacy of service, in their hearts.
Coogle acknowledged the sacrifices the students and their families have made to reach the halfway mark, and said they should be proud of themselves for that achievement.
“Now,” she said, “when you put on your uniforms think back to today and remember that can now make a valuable contribution to the nursing process you are still learning. ... Keep your caps in your heart and wear them with grace and dignity as you continue in this most noble of professions.”
The LPN faculty presided over the presentation of the caps, or stripe and pin for male students, and Boeshart presented perfect attendance awards to a number of individuals.
“This is a tremendous achievement,” he said, “and I can’t remember a class where so many had perfect attendance.”
Then, class president Todd Stephens led his classmates in reciting the practical nursing promise and a reception immediately followed the ceremony.
Class of 2009 practical nursing students include: Pamela Accord, Shesi Bonham, Cassandra Frazier*, Grace Gass, Ashley Grennell*, Brittany Hairston, Brandee Hurlow*, Dana Matos*, Kathleen Miller*, Jessica Morgan, Tammy Morningstar*, Amy Rine*, Todd Stephens*, Janet Stutz, Whitney Turner*, Charity Waldeck, Vicki Wise and Noelle Young.
*Denotes those earning perfect attendance certificates.
