Rappahannock Community College Holds Combined Health Sciences Commencement Ceremony and Nurse Pinning for Fall Class of 2025
Rappahannock Community College (RCC) celebrated the graduation of nurses, diagnostic medical sonographers, and paramedics at Commencement exercises in January at Essex High School. Thirty-one individuals earned an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (ADN) degree, six earned a Practical Nursing (PN) Certificate, eight earned a Paramedic Career Studies Certificate (EMS), and seven earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS), Specialization in Echocardiography.
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 Fall Class of 2025 Associate of Applied Science in Nursing student Olivia Grimes 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.
Ellen Koehler, Dean of Health Sciences, spoke about the meaning behind the ceremony and its traditions. “Today, you receive more than a diploma. You receive a symbol—a pin, a coin, an emblem—that carries meaning far beyond this ceremony,” Koehler said. She explained that nursing pins connect graduates to generations of caregivers, paramedic challenge coins represent courage and calm in crisis, and the newly designed DMS pin honors the unique ability to “see what others cannot.” Koehler concluded, “Three different symbols, one shared truth: you are healers. You are protectors. You are the hope people cling to on their hardest days.”
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.
In addition to receiving their diploma and nurse pin, several students received awards. Tiara Christian, Ian Faling, and Lauren Jones received the Perseverance Award for ADN students. The PN awardee was Bernesha Owens. 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 a student who radiates warmth and positivity through the stresses of nursing school. The ADN recipient is Kaitlyn Ketch.
Christopher Bell and Olivia Grimes were awarded the Outstanding Clinical Achievement Award for ADN and Brittany Graham 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 Amy Kettner and Suttinee Weik.
DMS program head Harsha Sharma honored graduate Olivia Gillespie with the Heart of the Community Award showcasing her dedication to the program and the community.
Following the presentation of awards, pins, and diplomas, graduates participated in a candle-lighting ceremony symbolizing Florence Nightingale as the “lady with the lamp” and recited their professional pledges. Paramedic graduates also recited their pledge.
RCC President Dr. Shannon Kennedy, president of RCC, conferred the degrees and addressed the graduates reminding them that their work extends beyond technical skill. “What you have done is much harder than finishing a checklist,” Kennedy said. “You have spent years learning the delicate balance between clinical precision and human compassion.”
“As you leave us today, remember that healthcare is more than a career path; it is a profound social contract. You are the calm in someone’s most chaotic moment. You are the voice of reason when a family is scared. You are the bridge between cutting-edge technology and the human heart. The world of medicine is changing faster than ever, but the need for a kind hand and a sharp mind remains constant. Never stop being a student. Keep asking ‘why,’ keep seeking the best for your patients, and never forget the community that supported you while you were here,” she concluded.