GADSDEN, AL — The Health Sciences Division at Gadsden State Community College held a special pinning ceremony on May 8 to celebrate the achievements of 43 students earning their Associate in Applied Science in Registered Nursing. The event took place at the Beck Gymnasium on the Wallace Drive Campus, marking a key milestone for students set to participate in the college’s Spring Commencement on May 13 at Gadsden State Cherokee.
“The pinning ceremony for RN graduates is such a special time not only for students and their families but also for the Nursing Program administration, faculty and staff,” said Dr. Cynthia Mullinax, director of the program. “We know these students have persevered through a very rigorous nursing education program. Now, they have what they need to be competent, safe practitioners when they enter the workforce as registered nurses.”
Graduates hailed from across Alabama and neighboring states, including:
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Alexandria: Elijah Combs
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Anniston: Sommer Yates
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Ashville: Hope Williams
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Calhoun, Ga.: Madalyn Morrison
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Cedar Bluff: Cason Beck, Cynthia Wheeler
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Cedartown, Ga.: Avery Lawrence, Andrea Walker
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Centre: Kristina O’Neal, Savanna Rios
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Duluth, Ga.: Hannah Whiteman
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Euharlee, Ga.: Lori Coleman
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Fyffe: Kennedy Stiefel
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Gadsden: Nicole Daniels, Rachel Pierce
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Gallant: Rachel Davis
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Hokes Bluff: Halle Davenport, Destiny Jarrells, Sarah Posey
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Jacksonville: Joy Copland, Crystal Ortiz, QuyTeria Scott
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Lindale, Ga.: Jami Garrison
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Miami, Fla.: Yurisnelis Chile
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Ohatchee: Daniel Brown
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Oxford: Esmeralda Matias, Amanda Payne, Anthony Quick
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Pell City: Alexis Causey, Sebrina Self
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Piedmont: Danielle Fair
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Ragland: Payton Bearden
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Ranburne: Jasey Langley
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Rome, Ga.: Brittany Hobbs, Carrington Maney, Kellyn Morales, Katherine Packer
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Sacramento, Calif.: Malaika Thomas
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Sand Rock: Tiffany Durham
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Southside: Carley Wagers
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Talladega: Mason Watts
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Trion, Ga.: Keisha Lewis
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Weaver: Angelina Whitfield
Special recognition was given during the ceremony. Hope Williams received the Florence Nightingale Award, selected by her peers for excellence in clinical performance. Daniel Brown earned the Excellence in Academic Achievement Award for achieving the highest GPA among graduates.
Additionally, 21 students were honored with the Academic Achievement Award for maintaining at least a 3.0 GPA, highlighting their academic dedication and performance.
Eight students were recognized for completing the Registered Nurse Apprenticeship Program, a hands-on initiative that allows students to work as nurse apprentices while completing their studies. The graduates include: Alexis Causey, Halle Davenport, Crystal Ortiz, Savanna Rios, QuyTeria Scott, Kennedy Stiefel, Angelina Whitfield, and Hope Williams.
The ceremony celebrated not only academic success but also the perseverance and resilience of the next generation of healthcare professionals as they prepare to enter the workforce.
