CASSADAGA - The Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES School of Licensed Practical Nursing at the Cassadaga Job Corps Academy recently graduated 15 students.
The commencement closes the one-year training program. Graduates are Brittany Dahlgren, Kevonn Gay, Jeremy Goldsmith, Speckeisha Hepburn, Rashana Lester, Britney McGowan, Gregory Miller, Angela Rochester, Rosalyna Rosario, Kyle Slingerland, Nikita Warner, Tearra Watson, Julie Wentzell and Justin Zeman.
During the graduation program, awards were handed out to four students for outstanding achievement. Julie Wentzell was recognized as class valedictorian; Speckeisha Hepburn was awarded class salutatorian. Tearra Watson of Jamestown was presented with the exceptional academic and clinical nurse award. Gregory Miller of Jamestown was recognized as the outstanding bedside nurse.
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Pictured are recent graduates of the Cassadaga Job Corps Academy and Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES School of Licensed Practical Nursing.
Pam Nordin, guest speaker and director of nursing at Lutheran Social Services, discussed her own journey through her career as a nurse with the class. She reminded the class that although the career they have chosen will be challenging at times, they will need to find those special rewards, or moments when they know that they have really helped someone.
"Nursing is truly an art; it is a career you can be proud of," she said. "There will be reward and heartache but know that will you make a difference, you are a nurse."
Graduates received certificates, caps and pins presented by the faculty of the nursing school. Following individual recognition the entire class, as well all nurses in attendance, recited the nurse's pledge to affirm their commitment to their profession.
Students enrolled in the LPN program at the Cassadaga Job Corps Academy are co-enrolled with both the academy and BOCES. The program includes classroom lecture and instruction, development of nursing skills and techniques and rotations through local healthcare facilities that allow students firsthand clinical knowledge of the duties of a nurse. All students receive instruction and clinical supervision from BOCES staff while supportive services and a scholarship to attend the program are provided by Job Corps. The graduating class will now finalize preparations to take their LPN board exams.
For more information about the LPN program at the Cassadaga Job Corps Academy, call Mike Pietrkiewicz at 595-4298 or visit cassadaga.jobcorps.gov.