GARDNER – Mount Wachusett Community College held a traditional pinning ceremony for the graduates of its practical nursing program on Dec. 13 at the Theater at the Mount.

“You have chosen a caring profession, you have chosen a vocation to help others in their times of need, and that I believe is the highest vocation that one can aspire to. You have not only chosen to help others before yourself, but you have also successfully completed a very difficult and rigorous curriculum.” MWCC President James Vander Hooven told students.  “I want to wish you a productive, happy, and successful career as you move beyond MWCC, into serving our region.”

Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences, Kim Shea, DNP, RN, told graduates, “Over the past 10 months you have embarked on a journey that was anything but easy. You have balanced demanding coursework, clinical rotations, and have probably had many sleepless nights. But through it all you’ve persevered. And today you’re not just graduates, you are the leaders in compassionate care and the newest ambassadors to the nursing profession.”

“You are ready to shape the future of nursing one patient, one moment and one kind gesture at a time. Thank you and congratulations to the class of 2024 Practical Nurses,” Shea finished. 

Each student was given the opportunity to share a few words of thanks for the support shown by friends, family and faculty before receiving their pin.

MWCC thanked clinical partners who provided learning facilities for the graduates – Alliance Health at Baldwinville, Athol Hospital, Clearbrook Treatment Center, Gardner Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Heywood Hospital, LaChance Maternity Center, The Highlands Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation, Seven Hills Pediatric Center, St. Vincent Hospital, UMass Memorial Medical Center, Worcester Recovery Center and Hospital, and the Reservoir Center for Health & Rehabilitation.

The class of 2024, in order by town are:

Jessica Gray, Ashby

Samantha Lawton, Ayer

Kayla Paine, Baldwinville

Jane Anderson, Billerica

Karen Murphy, Brookfield

Meaghan Banister, Fitchburg

Kayla Cintron, Fitchburg

Victoria Jean, Fitchburg

Sylivia Nalukwago Kikomeko, Fitchburg

Maria Ortega, Fitchburg

Kailyn Jones, Gardner

Damien Fox, Lancaster

Esther Annor, Leominster

Alexis Hebert, Leominster

Muhidin Mziray, Leominster

Veronica Shelton, Leominster

Maria Soria, Leominster

Patricia Zepeda, Leominster

Mariah Courtemanche, Orange

Micalyn Mailloux, Orange

Kwasi Tabi, Pepperell

Chloe Werlinger, Pepperell

Patricia Diverdi, Princeton

Colleen Boutwell, Shirley

Kathleen Carvalho, Shirley

Amiee Caplis, Templeton

Alexander Reyes, Templeton

Gilbert Wanyoike, Worcester