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Paul D. Camp Community College Nursing and Allied Health Department held a special pinning ceremony recently to honor completers of the Practical Nursing Class of 2020. The event was held at the Regional Workforce Development Center following state guidelines and was streamed live on the college’s Facebook page.

Camp President Dr. Dan Lufkin talked about the important role that support systems serve in a student’s success and commended the faculty for their roles as well, saying that especially during this time with the pandemic still a concern, the students have displayed a fair amount of “grit, perseverance and persistence.”

Following an invocation by the Rev. Ellis Cofield, Class of 2020 President ShiAnne Smith shared words regarding the bonds that have been built during their studies, and also thanked the faculty for challenging them. “We aspire to not only be the nurses that you are, but the incredible women that you ladies are,” she said.

Smith introduced faculty member and guest speaker Lead Practical Nursing Instructor Laurel Wright, who is a graduate of Camp as well. She told the class that once they become a nurse, they will start seeing things in a different light, and that people will start seeing them in a different light as well. She spoke of the importance of being a little more than just a nurse.

“This ceremony is a rite of passage, and every time you wear your pin, it will remind you to care, advocate and lead,” she said. Wright also stressed to continue learning and told the class, “If you were able to rise above all during this time (of the pandemic), then I am certain you will be able to rise above anything you may face in your nursing career.”

The celebrated students who are members of the Camp Community College Practical Nursing Class of 2020 are Shaquille Hill, Meagan Lay, Gloria Sharbor and Rebecca Worley, all of Suffolk, Edith Angila of Virginia Beach, Lisa Baxter of Norfolk, ShiAnne Smith of Corapeake, N.C., Kessa Taylor of Chester, and Leslie Vogel of Williamsburg.

Also during the event, the following students received honors:

• Nursing Academic Excellence Award — Edith Anglia
• Nursing Clinical Excellence Award — Leslie Vogel

Graduates Shaquille Hill and Meagan Lay explained the symbols of the pin and the lamp, respectively, before the students and faculty took part in reciting the Florence Nightingale pledge in unison. Cofield closed with the benediction.

For more information about Camp Community College Nursing and Allied Health programs, contact Healthcare Academic Advisor Tasha Taylor at ttaylor@pdc.edu or 757-569-6779.