July 29, 2024
A commencement ceremony for graduates of East Mississippi Community College’s Practical Nursing program on the Golden Triangle campus took place July 29 at The Communiversity.
Director of Nursing Programs and Associate Dean of Health Sciences Jamonicia Johnson provided the welcome. The guest speaker was EMCC Nursing graduate Jason Taylor. EMCC President Dr. Scott Alsobrooks and Vice President of Instruction Dr. James Rush confirmed the graduates.
Several awards were presented during the ceremony by Practical Nursing instructors Jemeica Arnold, Reginald Askew and Michelle Melton.
Melton presented Practical Nursing graduate Ashlea Howell the Nightingale Award.
“This is the highest award that can be received in a program of nursing,” Melton said. “We give the Nightingale Award to one student who has shown excellence in clinicals, and has been a student that others look up to for their caring and compassion in all areas of nursing. This person exhibits concern and compassion for the class as well as patients.”
Howell also garnered a Clinical Excellence Award and was recognized as a member of the National Association of Licensed Practical Nurses Honor Society, which is the honor society for members of the Student Nursing Association for Practical Nursing Students (SPNA).
Other Clinical Excellence Award recipients were Jazzetta Anthony, Kiara Roby, Laci Fondren, Morgan Breland and Zabia Bohannon.
“The Clinical Excellence Award is awarded to students that show outstanding clinical skills, excellence in communication and documentation, excellence in patient education and show learning independence in the clinical area,” Arnold said.
Other members of the National Association of Licensed Practical Nursing Honor Society are Breland, Bohannon, Fondren, Lauren Jennings, Chloe McDonald, Santeuana Miller, Kyia Skinner and Amy Wells.
Jennings received the Scholastic Achievement Award for having the highest GPA in the graduating class. Bohannon received the Leadership and Service Award.
“The Leadership and Service Award is awarded to a student that demonstrates leadership abilities throughout nursing school, shows potential for leadership in the profession, is actively involved in SPNA, shows an enthusiastic commitment to the profession of nursing and demonstrates service to the profession, to the community and to the college,” Askew said.
Officers of the SPNA were also recognized during the ceremony. They are: Bohannon, president; Cassie Daniel, vice president; Anthony, secretary; and Roby and Skinner, who served as the agency’s photographers.
Bohannon, McDonald, Miller and Skinner were also recognized as members of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Miller, Fondren, Skinner, McDonald, Bohannon and Wells graduated with cum laude honors.
The Class of 2024 Practical Nursing graduates are Jazzetta Anthony, Morgan Breland, Payton Brown, Zabia Bohannon, Whitney Cummings, Cassie Daniel, Laci Fondren, Ashlea Howell, Lauren Jennings, Taylor Jones, Georgia Kelly, Chloe McDonald, Santeuana Miller, Mariyah Moore, Brailey Reed, Kiara Roby, Jacob Rogers, Islandia Russell, Kyia Skinner, Mindy Via, Amy Wells and Bailey Williamson.
"East Mississippi Community College has been an incredible launching pad for my future! The professors here have truly cared about me and have gone above and beyond to make sure I succeeded. From the Ambassadors program to PTK to student government, EMCC offered a supportive environment for me to get involved and hone skills I will use in the future. My favorite aspects of EMCC have been my teachers' easily accessible office hours and the writing center. These made a huge difference in my confidence and prepared me for the challenges of a four-year university. I'm so grateful for the knowledge and experiences I've gained here!"
“I chose EMCC because it gave me the best opportunities coming out of high school. I got plenty of scholarships because the school offered so many. I would not have been able to do half of the things that I have done if i didn’t come here. First generation students are already at a disadvantage. If you are able to you should get an education to break the generational curse and create generational wealth for your family. Education is the most powerful tool.”
"EMCC isn't just a place to learn, it's home. From the vibrant festivals to the passionate instructors, every corner offered an opportunity to grow. Public speaking not only honed my interview skills but also instilled the confidence to think on my feet. Most importantly, the time at EMCC flew by because it was filled with friendships, challenges overcome, and memories made. To anyone stepping onto campus for the first time, embrace every moment, make connections, and remember - there's a whole community invested in your success."
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