LSU Alexandria’s Department of Nursing held a pinning ceremony for its 53 nursing graduates at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 16, in the gymnasium of the LSUA Fitness Center.
Christy Arnold of Lacamp earned the award for the Highest GPA.
Eddie Williams of Alexandria was selected by his fellow nursing students to receive the Caring Award. This student is an exemplar of the school''s core values that describes, defines, and directs all personal and professional behavior - respect, integrity, professionalism, caring, excellence and diversity.
Leah Perkins of Oakdale was selected by her fellow nursing students to receive the Leadership Award. This student demonstrates a commitment to nursing by influencing those around them in everyday situations. This graduate is an advocate for nursing as a profession and displays the attitude, motivation and stamina to bring nursing into the future.
Regina Lee of Marksville was selected by the nursing faculty to receive the Outstanding Nursing Graduate Award. This award recognizes academic excellence and breadth of knowledge while demonstrating superior accomplishments in both the classroom and clinical settings. The graduate exhibits professionalism, character, scholarship and demonstrates potential for future leadership, as well as community involvement.
The 53 nursing graduates received their pins and then participated in a traditional candle-lighting ceremony. The graduates then recited the Nightingale Pledge in honor of Florence Nightingale, a pioneer and reformer of the nursing profession. The pledge is a variation of the Hippocratic Oath taken by physicians and is a traditional part of pinning ceremonies dating back to the 1800s.
Nursing graduates include (listed by hometown):
Alexandria: Melissa Lynn Coco; Aleshia Dement; Tiffany Elaine Knight Grayson; Teresita Antonia Mira; Tina Renee Parker; Mary L. Ross; Kevin Wayne Weidner; Angela Ann Williams; Eddie A. Williams, Jr.; Elizabeth Marie Willis
Ball: Rebecca Christine Malcomb
Burreville, TX: Stephanie Brooke Hurst
Deville: Christopher M. Hubbard
Dry Prong: Lindsey Kay Danzy
Eunice: Melissa Ann Andrepont
Jena: Jennifer Michele Rabel
Jonesville: Dana Boothe Skinner
LaCamp: Christy L. Arnold
Lecompte: Monica Ann Mundy
Leesville: Karen Michele Hall; Shelly Williams Wanjura
Lena: Tracy DeAnn Beebe
Lettsworth: Ashley Elizabeth Moreau
Mansura: Wesley Charles Gormsen; Susannah Valzie Mae Hart; Tessa Leigh Lemoine; Ross Anthony Schexnyder; Starli Guillory Thibodeaux
Marksville: Jennifer Lynn Barbin; Charissa Lynn Flores; Tracy Lynn Hayes; Regina Oliver Lee; Jeanne Alyce Moreau; Issac Cade Soileau
Moreauville: Candace Caubarreaux Dowden
Morrow: Kendell Rachel Fisher
Oakdale: Ginger McCollough Lanier; Leah Michele Perkins; Shareese Joann Rakestraw; Lacy Jean Strahan
Opelousas: Rosalyn O. Collins
Pineville: Shannon M. Johnson; D’Ann Tower Merritt; Jo Ann Robinson; Tiffany Michelle Teal; Scott Anthony Tumminello; Heather Elise Mitchell Willis
Pollock: Derek Rex Boyd; Constance N. Munson Willett
Sieper: Donna Todd Smith
Ville Platte: Rocky James Catoire; Dana Richard Lavergne
Winnfield: Connie Anyan Durbin
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