The new graduates received pins that were designed by some of the first graduates of WCC’s Practical Nursing program. Students crossed the stage to receive a pin, rose, and scroll presented to them by WCC nursing faculty as they joined over 2,400 alumni from the WCC nursing programs.
WCC Nursing Department Chair Michelle Garon said the ceremony was a chance to celebrate the dedication, perseverance, and accomplishments of the graduates.
“As you close this chapter and prepare to begin the next one, take a moment to appreciate how far you have come,” Garon told the graduates. “Your hard work, resilience, and commitment have brought you to this well-deserved celebration.”
Riley Ryan, president of the 2026 Practical Nursing class, offered remarks on behalf of her class during the ceremony. She reflected on the challenges the class faced that brought them closer together.
“As time went on, we became more than classmates. We became the people who truly understood what each other was going through,” Ryan said. “We celebrated one another’s successes, encouraged each other through difficult moments, and reminded one another why we chose this profession when the journey felt overwhelming.”
WCC Nursing Simulation Coordinator Bryan Johnson spoke about the graduates’ sacrifices and dedication to becoming nurses.
“Their success reflects not only what they have achieved but also the commitment and strength that carried them through each challenge. As we honor these exceptional graduates, we acknowledge their commitment to a path of profound significance,” Johnson said.
Each year, the nursing faculty selects three graduates to receive special awards for excelling academically and clinically throughout the program. Recipients were given a monetary gift from the Foundation of WCC.
The Theoretical Excellence Award was presented to Amanda Mullins, who achieved the highest academic standard in the Practical Nursing program. She was described by faculty as resilient, determined, and committed to overcoming challenges.
The Clinical Excellence Award was given to Seoulita Floyd, recognizing her excellence in the clinical component of the nursing curriculum. Faculty noted that she consistently approached each clinical experience with initiative, enthusiasm, and a genuine desire to learn.
Deisy Verduzco-Medina received the Outstanding Student Award for achieving high standards in both the theoretical and clinical components of the Practical Nursing program while also actively participating in class and professional activities. Faculty said her gentle spirit and genuine compassion were evident in the time she took to listen to her patients, learn their stories, and ensure they felt valued and cared for.
The pinning ceremony included the lighting of lamps and a recitation of the practical nursing pledge. Female graduates wore the traditional nurse’s cap designed specifically for WCC’s Practical Nursing program, and the gray stripe on the cap and on male graduates’ sleeves signifies that of a licensed practical nurse.
The 17 Practical Nursing graduates, listed by city of residence, are:
Goldsboro
Myra Dana
Kierra Elam
Jessie Ferguson
Seoulita Floyd
Rayquon Jones
Cynthia Monroe
Amanda Mullins
Makenna Parrish
Riley Ryan
Hannah Shuman
Olivia Eason Walker
Hookerton
Reagan Elizabeth Radford
Pink Hill
Deisy Verduzco-Medina
Raleigh
Shamina Nolasco
Selma
Jordan Bryant
Warsaw
Sandy Zamorano
Wilson
Sacoria Farmer
WCC’s limited-admission Practical Nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. It offers a diploma upon successful completion and prepares students to become licensed practical nurses once they pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN).
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