Dyersburg, Tennessee – Dyersburg State Community College (DSCC) honored its 56th nursing class with a pinning ceremony for 36 nursing graduates Friday, Dec. 9. The ceremony took place inside the Pat Thompson Center in Millington. A total of 1,546 nursing students have graduated from DSCC over the past 36 years, with this year marking the 10-year anniversary of the nursing program at the DSCC Jimmy Naifeh Center at Tipton County.

The ceremony began with nursing graduate Amber Parker of Covington leading the invocation. Amy Johnson, dean of nursing, introduced nursing staff and faculty. DSCC President Karen Bowyer acknowledged the graduates and congratulated them on their accomplishments.

“Tonight we are celebrating 10 years of nursing classes at the Jimmy Naifeh Center at Tipton County,” stated Dr. Bowyer. “With tonight’sclass, 267 students from this Center have graduated as registered nurses. Time and time again, hospital administrators tell me that our nurses are some of the most prepared and qualified that they have ever worked with. You have a great tradition to follow, and I know that you are up to the challenge.”

The ceremony proceeded with the recognition of 30 first-year nursing students by Nursing Instructor Trenna Richardson.

Class officers were introduced by Nursing Instructor Christie Hamm. Officers included President Richard Keenan of Drummonds, Vice President Chauna Grisby of Memphis, Secretary Teresa Robbins of Munford, and Historian Kristin Pirtle of Atoka.

Student Nursing Association (SNA) officers included President Richard Keenan of Drummonds, Vice President Kellie Moore of Memphis,Historian Kristin Pirtle of Atoka and Secretary Teresa Robbins of Munford.

Class President Richard Keenan addressed his classmates and reminisced about the many changes that they all encountered together during the program. “The lecture and clinical instructors have given us the knowledge and skills to provide caring and compassionate nursing for everyone,” stated Keenan. “It is now our time to pay it forward.”

Dr. Bowyer presented the Friend of Nursing Award, chosen by the nursing students, to Wynette Ross, DSCC administrative clerk.

The Scholastic Award, presented to the student with the highest grade-point average (GPA), was awarded by Nursing Instructor Christy Hamilton to nursing graduate J.B. Laxton of Munford, who graduated with a 3.5 GPA.

The Clinical Practice Award, selected by members of the nursing faculty, was presented by Nursing Instructor Anne Gregory to nursing graduate Donielle Dennis of Drummonds. This award is given to nursing graduates who demonstrate qualities such as the practice of nursing as a humanistic art and science, the recognition of each person as a unique individual and acceptance of legal and ethical professional accountability.

Nursing graduate Teresa Robbins of Munford presented the Friendship Award, chosen by class members, to fellow classmate Richard Keenan.

The Peggy Pendergrast Faculty Award, presented by Nursing Instructor Trenna Richardson, was awarded to nursing graduate Bonnie Carmack of Gates. This special award, given in honor of Peggy Pendergrast, the founding director of the DSCC Nursing Program, is presented to a student demonstrating the qualities that are essential for effective nursing practice.

Amy Johnson, DSCC dean of nursing, presented class pins to the graduates. Following tradition, each nursing graduate received a ceramic replica of the lamp carried by Florence Nightingale, a pioneer in the nursing profession. Nursing graduates lit the lamps and recited the Nightingale Pledge. Nursing graduate Jennifer Hill of Covington led the benediction.

The 36 graduates of DSCC’s December 2016 traditional nursing class included:

Atoka – Sheena Buffaloe, Rhonda Howe, Kristin Pirtle, Ashley Warren

Bartlett – David Monneyhan

Brighton – Kayla Adams, Patrick MacDonnchadh, Lesia Martin

Burlison – Jennifer Atkins

Cordova – Beatriz Escobar, Dorcas Taylor

Covington – Mary “Bailey” Browning, Cristal Fisher, Jennifer Hill, Amber Parker

Drummonds – Donielle Dennis, Richard Keenan

Gates – Bonnie Carmack

Halls – Emilee Moore

Hornbeak – Miki Glisson

Humboldt – Kellie Davis