Pinning Ceremony Celebrates First Hybrid Nursing Class
29 students complete new program, next 30 start in January
Dec. 18, 2024
SARANAC LAKE – The first graduates of North Country Community College’s new hybrid
nursing program were celebrated this past weekend at their pinning ceremony in the
Harrietstown Town Hall auditorium.
The 29 students who walked across the stage Saturday morning in front of a packed
house of family and friends have all been working as licensed practical nurses, some
for as long as 15 years.
Traditionally, the path to become a registered nurse at North Country starts in the
fall semester and ends in the spring, with in-person classes and weekday clinical
shifts.
These students were able to get their Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing
through a flexible, hybrid program that began in January, featured online classes
and weekend/evening clinical rotations, and ended this month.“You’ve not only earned your place here today, but you have paved the way for future
nursing students in this unique program,” said Tana Hare, director of the college’s
nursing program. “This is a proud moment for all of us, and we couldn’t be more excited
to celebrate with all of you today.”
“You now join a community of over 50 years of professionals (from the college) that
have gone out and helped families and patients, and made our communities a healthier
place to be,” added college President Joe Keegan.
The class had selected Stephanie Cassell, one of their adjunct nursing instructors,
as a guest speaker. She told the students to embrace the challenges they will face
with the same determination that got them to this point.
“You didn’t merely survive the rigors of nursing school,” Cassell said. “You thrived
in an innovative online program that demanded
flexibility resilience and determination. You are proof that passion and commitment
know no boundaries.”
flexibility resilience and determination. You are proof that passion and commitment
know no boundaries.”Chelsea Beitz, the class speaker, thanked the college’s nursing faculty as well as
all the family and friends who supported the graduates along the way.
“This year has been extremely challenging,” Beitz said. “I commend you all on working
through the tough days and nights. You’ve chosen a challenging but incredibly rewarding
path. There will be hard days ahead, but there will also be moments of joy, triumph,
and deep satisfaction.”
Prior to the presentation of pins, the ADN Excellence Award was presented to Kyli
Meeks. The ceremony closed with the graduates reciting the Florence Nightingale Pledge
to “devote myself to the welfare of those committed to my care.”
A total of 30 students are enrolled in North Country’s next hybrid AAS Nursing class which will begin in January.
List of program graduates and their hometowns:
Jacob Aldrich, Plattsburgh
Chelsea Beitz, Watertown
Katelyn Darrah, Plattsburgh
Sloan Donnelly, Massena
Kayla Duers, Fort Ann
Monique Farrell, Massena
Rita Geddes, Plattsburgh
Marena Harris, Lisbon
Brandy LaFountain, Plattsburgh
Kristy Lanthier, Bloomingdale
Amber LaTray, Massena
Sarah Lawrence, Lake Placid
Erin Martinez, Norfolk
Kyli Meeks, Ray Brook
Ellen Montroy, Morristown
Nii Munzir, Colchester VT
Justin O’Neil, Plattsburgh
Jerrica Pelkey, Plattsburgh
Morgan Primard, Morrisonville
Alesha Rood, Russell
Gabrielle Schneider, Tupper Lake
Patricia Sheperd, Greenfield Center
Chelsea Smith, Tupper Lake
Danielle Spencer, Ilion
Shannon Sweeney, Malone
Sierra Tucker, Altona
Kimberly Webb, Malone
Samantha White, Bloomingdale
Stefanie White, Whitehall