Pinning ceremony celebrates Aiken Tech nursing graduates

ERIN WEEKS, Aiken Standard, S.C.
·2 min read

Aug. 1—Aiken Technical College's 2023 Nursing Pinning Ceremony honored 11 licensed practical nursing graduates and 10 patient care technician graduates Monday.

"Today marks a significant milestone in their journey toward becoming skilled, compassionate healthcare professionals," said Dr. Hannah Williams, dean of Aiken Tech's School of Nursing.

Receiving a diploma in nursing were Danielle Bailey, Kristen Benson, Markayla Davis, Megan Gay; Kimberly Johnson, Trinity Gantt-Lites, Elizabeth Lawson, Baylor Maddox, Sadé Jones, Lois St. Ana and Bria Thompson.

Receiving a patient care technician certificate were Victoria Black, Tiffany Coyler, Summer Edwards, De'aralon Foust, Krystal Jessie, Vyneshia McNair, Vadarius Miles, Stephanie Murano, Samantha Silas and Marcia Spann.

"As an LPN and PCT student, you have chosen a noble path that requires not only knowledge and expertise, but also a deep sense of empathy and care for others," said Williams.

Army veteran Megan Gay was announced as the valedictorian by nursing instructor Dr. Tara Johnson. Gay said she was inspired to pursue nursing because she "felt like it was a call from God." She plans to continue her education as a registered nurse and has currently accepted a job at Piedmont of Augusta.

Sadé Jones was announced as the salutatorian by nursing instructor Donna Fortenberry. Jones plans to further her education, and has currently accepted a job at Doctors Hospital Emergency Department. Jones was also the recipient of the Tradition of Caring Award for the Practical Nursing Program.

Also recognized was De'Aralon Foust, who received the Tradition of Caring Award for Patient Care Technician, presented by nursing instructor Patricia Williamson.

Pins were presented by Williams, along with nursing instructors Susan Ferrara, Carrie McDowell and Tasha Whitaker. The ceremony ended with a traditional candle lighting and the recitation of the Nightingale Pledge, a statement of ethics in the nursing profession.

Several graduates shared their experiences in the program. One graduate, Markayla Davis, said that she faced hardships in the program but was able to overcome them with her support system.

"Luckily I had my classmates and my family there to support me," she said. "The support of my friends, family, classmates, even the instructors pretty much got me through everything."

Davis hopes to return and further her education in 2024. "Anybody who wants to pursue Aiken Tech and their nursing program, I say go for it. It's the best thing."

"My experience in nursing school has been great," said Danielle Bailey. "All the professors have been amazing. I've learned a lot. Aiken Tech is truly caring and really wants what's best for you. Behind every good instructor is going to be a good nurse."