Valley nursing students honored at commencement
UPTON — The countless hours of studying, exams, assignments, and 1,090 hours of course and clinical work met with success and celebration on Jan. 23 as 20 members of the Blackstone Valley Tech Practical Nursing of Class of 2019 took part in the eighth commencement ceremony honoring their achievements.
The 20 practical nursing graduates – including students from Woonsocket, Bellingham, Blackstone and Uxbridge, received certificates in Practical Nursing and are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN).
The commencement ceremony featured special guests state Senator Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury) and state Rep. Joseph McKenna (R-Webster).
Superintendent–Director Dr. Michael Fitzpatrick thanked lawmakers and stakeholders for their ongoing support of the program. He addressed the Class of 2019, saying, “after tonight, I encourage you to shape your wellness training path with the realization that you have
t the potential to make a difference. Map d out your next steps. Build new relationt ships. You are now a polished product of Valley Tech.”
The guest speaker, Joyce Gilmore, RN (Advisory Board member), spoke of r the dedication and commitment that was required by the Class of 2019 to achieve their dreams of becoming a practical nurse.
This was the fifth graduating class under the leadership of Joann L. Monks, MBA, MSc, RN-BC, RMA, practical nursing coordinator. Monks addressed the Class of 2019, saying “tonight’s graduation is an acknowledgment of all your hard work. You are ready to be professional nurses and lifelong learners.”
The Class Vice President, Jennifer Lang of Southbridge, delivered the class address and echoed the hard work and accomplishment of the Class of 2019.
“We all share one thing in common, we are all nurses and we all made it,” she said.
The Post-Secondary Practical Nursing Class of 2019 graduates are:
• Bellingham: Monday Pray and Shelley Wyllie (Perfect Attendance Award). • Blackstone: Jamie Bourgery. • Douglas: Tamara Edwards. • Grafton: Carol Parlante (Perfect Attendance Award and Outstanding Academic Achievement Award)
• Milford: Maria Sonia Dos ReisSoares.
• Millbury: Melissa McInerney. • Northbridge: Maria Luiza Costa (Faculty Recognition Award) and Samantha Libby.
• Southbridge: Jennifer Lang (Outstanding Academic Achievement Award).
• Sutton: Adele Patsky.
• Uxbridge: Sierra Thibeault. • Whitinsville: Brianna Beaupre and Savannah Veau.
• Worcester: Charlyn Familia, Deanna Heath (Perfect Attendance Award), Afia Konadu Opoku (Faculty Recognition Award), Tiaggy Phanor and Brenda Senosk.
• Woonsocket: Natalie Susienka.