Each Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) graduate received a pin, scroll, and rose, presented by faculty members. The pins were designed by the first graduates of WCC’s ADN program in 1973.
The graduates join the ranks of over 2,200 alumni from WCC’s nursing programs.
During the pinning ceremony, WCC Nursing Department Chair Michelle Garon acknowledged the new nurses’ determination to pursue their dreams. “I want to personally congratulate each of you on accepting the challenge of entering and completing this program,” she said to the graduates. “Your hard work has paid off, and today is your day to shine.”
Brianna Garon, ADN class president, spoke during the ceremony about the challenging journey through nursing school and how it has prepared the graduates for their careers. “We did not choose nursing simply for a title or a paycheck,” she said. “The essence of nursing is so much deeper. It’s about compassion, sacrifice, service, and being present for others during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.”
WCC Nursing Simulation Coordinator Bryan Johnson said the graduates have worked diligently to become nurses. “With this title comes a multitude of responsibilities and privileges,” Johnson said. “Nurses offer strength, guidance, and compassion. Graduates, you are now ready to be that steady presence when it is most needed.”
The pinning ceremony included the lighting of lamps and a recitation of the Florence Nightingale pledge. Female graduates wore the traditional nurse’s cap designed exclusively for WCC’s ADN program, and the black stripe on the cap and on male graduates’ sleeves signifies that of a registered nurse.
Three graduates who excelled academically and clinically throughout the program were awarded during the ceremony by the WCC nursing faculty. They were presented with a monetary gift donated by the Foundation of WCC.
The Theoretical Excellence Award was presented to Alexis Chapman, who achieved the highest academic standard in the ADN program. She was recognized for her deep commitment to learning and going the extra mile. Faculty described her as resilient, motivated, and always eager to grow, consistently demonstrating perseverance and a strong dedication to academic success.
Jenna Batchelor earned the Clinical Excellence Award, which is given to the graduate who has demonstrated outstanding performance in the clinical aspect of the nursing curriculum. Batchelor was described as someone who exemplifies what excellence looks like in the clinical environment.
The Outstanding Student Award went to Brianna Garon. This award recognizes the individual who attained high standards in both the theoretical and clinical components of the ADN program, achieving excellent grades in the classroom while consistently performing well in the program’s labs and clinicals. Faculty described her as dedicated, professional, and a positive example of the values of the nursing profession.
The 41 ADN graduates, listed by city of residence, are:
Benson
Maricruz Deharo
Dudley
Mona Eady-Dunlap
Laurie Huerta
Karina Velasquez-Galindo
Fremont
Mandy Honeycutt
Garner
Anna Creech
Goldsboro
Mary Anderson
Sarah Anderson
Victoria Anguiano-Avila
Tamira Bryant
Alice Carraway
Emily Feddersen
Courtney Hobbs
Heather Holt
Samantha Johnson
Hannah Jones
Ambria Lane
Jordan Liles
Diana Malfavon Garcia
Shonisha Mayhue
Samantha McLamb
Kenly
Tyler Crawford
Raina Lewis
Ricardo Sanchez
La Grange
Cara Bloomberg
Macy Priscilla Cardona Lopez
Alexis Chapman
Brenda Garcia-Bustos
Brianna Garon
Mount Olive
Rayanna Koch
Newton Grove
Marilyn Ambriz
Pikeville
Kaitlyn Ivey
Madeline Johnson
Genna Rodriguez
Raleigh
Nikki Olmstead
Seven Springs
Deysi Meza-Morales
Sarahlee Morado-Castellanos
Ciclaliz Morales-Perez
Wilmington
Jessica Beaulieu
Wilson
Jenna Batchelor
Youngsville
Jenna Hill
WCC’s limited-entry ADN program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Graduates must take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to practice as a registered nurse.
