Rappahannock Community College Holds Combined Health Sciences Commencement Ceremony and Nurse Pinning
Rappahannock Community College (RCC) celebrated the graduation of nurses, diagnostic medical sonographers, and paramedics at Commencement exercises on May 8 at Essex High School. Fifty individuals earned an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (ADN) degree, 14 earned a Practical Nursing (PN) Certificate, and 23 earned a Paramedic Career Studies Certificate (EMS). Six students who graduated in December with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS), Specialization in Echocardiography, were also honored at the spring ceremony.
Family, friends, faculty, staff, and RCC board members were on hand to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of the Health Sciences students. The evening began as RCC Class of 2025 Associate of Applied Science in Nursing student Patricia Luna performed an a cappella version of the National Anthem. Local College Board Chair Richard W. Gouldin, Jr., welcomed guests and shared that his mother was a Registered Nurse and her nurse pin was a prized possession as it symbolized dedication, hard work, and the noble profession of nursing.
“I want to leave you with three guiding principles: expertise, ethics, and empathy,” said Gouldin. “Your ability to connect with people on a human level will make a profound difference in their lives. May your future be filled with success, fulfillment, and the joy of making a positive impact.”
The nurse pinning ceremony is a symbolic welcoming of nurses by other nurses to the profession. Many students selected someone who inspired and encouraged them through their journey as their “pinners,” including family members and faculty who are nurses themselves. As each nursing student was pinned their heartfelt thank you was read to the audience. There were many stories of perseverance and resilience.
DMS students received a pin signifying their work as cardiac sonographers, and EMS Paramedic graduates received a commemorative Paramedic Challenge coin provided by the Peninsulas EMS Council, Inc. The coin represents membership and identity, provides morale, and serves as a reminder of their accomplishment.
In addition to receiving their diploma and nurse pin, several students received awards. Patricia Luna, Sadacia Ball, and Amanda Selph received the Perseverance Award for ADN students, and Randi Harrell for PN. This award recognizes students who have demonstrated the highest level of perseverance in pursuit of their degrees and showed courage to ignore the obvious wisdom of turning back.
The Bright Light Award is given to students who radiate warmth and positivity through the stresses of nursing school. The ADN recipients are Taniel Hosni, Savannah Smith, and Kwanita Yeo. The PN recipient is Ella Ball.
Jennifer Bone, Tiffany Minarczyk, and Sheena Allen were awarded the Outstanding Clinical Achievement Award for ADN and Marcy Berg for PN. These students were selected by faculty as having demonstrated excellent clinical practices.
The Catherine Courtney Award is given in honor of Professor Emeritus Mrs. Catherine Courtney, the first nursing program faculty member. Ms. Courtney dedicated 32 years to teaching at RCC and continues her commitment to RCC as a member of the Educational Foundation board. The award recognizes students who demonstrate all-around leadership and achievement in academic, clinical, and interpersonal excellence with patients, peers, and faculty. Winners are chosen by the nursing faculty. This year’s recipients are ADN students Raushanah Ford, Brandy Robinson, and Annika Lehew.
Seth Craig, EMS program head, presented two awards. The Probie to Pro Award was given to Andrew Davis and the Leadership Award to Ron Herrington, Jr. DMS program head Harsha Sharma honored graduate Hailey Moore with the Heart of the Community Award showcasing her dedication to the program and the community.
After the awards, pinning, and distribution of diplomas, each group faced the audience with lit candles symbolizing Florence Nightingale as the “lady with the lamp,” and recited their respective pledges promising to adhere to the code of ethics, do no harm, maintain confidentiality, and strive for excellence. The paramedic graduates also recited their pledge.
Dr. Shannon Kennedy, president of RCC, conferred the degrees and presented the graduates to the audience. “You are the embodiment of resilience. Some of you are the first in your family to graduate. Some returned to school after years away. Some came here to find a new path after life took an unexpected turn. And yet, here you are with hearts full of hope, and ready to take your next bold step,” said Kennedy.
“As you start your career as a paramedic, nurse, or echo tech remember this: you belong. You are ready. And you are enough. Thank you for letting the RCC family be a part of your journey. Thank you for bringing your light to this college. Now, take it into the world. Shine bright,” concluded Kennedy.
If you were unable to attend you can watch the ceremony here.
Check out the photos here.