Rappahannock Community College Holds Combined Health Sciences Commencement Ceremony and Nurse Pinning for Class of 2026
Rappahannock Community College (RCC) celebrated the graduation of nurses and paramedics at Commencement exercises recently. Thirty-five individuals earned an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (ADN) degree, 20 earned a Practical Nursing (PN) Certificate, and 16 earned a Paramedic Career Studies Certificate (EMS).
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 2026 Certificate in Practical Nursing graduate Josey “JoJo” Tomlinson 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, reflected on the meaning behind the traditions and symbols of the ceremony, reminding graduates that they were entering professions rooted in trust, service, and responsibility. She noted that nursing pins and paramedic challenge coins represent more than academic achievement — they symbolize a commitment to caring for others during some of life’s most difficult moments.
“Different symbols, one shared truth: you are healers. You are protectors. You are the hope people cling to in moments of fear and uncertainty,” Koehler said during the ceremony. She also encouraged graduates to wear their symbols proudly, telling them, “The future of healthcare is brighter because of your skill, your compassion, and the support that brought you here today.”
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. Jasmine Costa and Lyric Smith received the Perseverance Award for ADN students. The PN awardees were Grace Davis and Samantha Williams. 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 recipients were Oluwakeni Gbadamosi and Afeez Gbadamosi. The PN recipients were Josey “JoJo” Tomlinson and Vonica Walters.
Benjamin Asare and Vicki Shaw were awarded the Outstanding Clinical Achievement Award for ADN and Hailey Burke and Sherri Bryant 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 an Emeritus 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 Elijah Hamilton and Destiny Crockett.
EMS Program Head Seth Craig presented the Probie to Pro Award to Nicholle Johnson and the Leadership Award to Jonathan Hughes.
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 conferred the degrees and addressed the graduates reminding them that their work extends beyond technical skill, “As you leave us today to enter the workforce, I have three things I want you to remember: never lose your curiosity; protect your empathy; and trust your training.”
“The scrubs you wear and the badges you carry are more than a uniform—they are a promise. A promise that when someone calls for help, you will answer. You didn’t study in an ivory tower. You studied in the trenches of our local clinics and on the streets of our neighborhoods,” she said. “You’ve learned the most difficult lesson of all: that in medicine you are often meeting people on the worst day of their lives, and yet, you have been trained to be the best part of that day.”