Graduates of JCC's Nursing Program Pinned, Spring 2024

Jefferson Community College (JCC) held its annual Pinning Ceremony for graduates of the College’s nursing program on May 16, 2024 in the McVean Student Center Gymnasium. Forty-six (46) candidates for the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in nursing were eligible to take part in this special program.

The “Pinning Ceremony” is a time-honored tradition at all institutions of higher education that offer degrees in nursing. The ceremony is symbolic of the transition from a student to entry into nursing as a profession. The pin is designed to be unique to each school of nursing. After being “pinned”, each student recites Florence Nightingale’s pledge. 

During the Pinning Ceremony, JCC nursing students were honored for their outstanding achievements with the presentation of various awards. 

The Debra R. Marsala Excellence in Nursing Award, bestowed upon an individual who demonstrates dedication, excellence and passion for the profession of nursing, was awarded to Kayla A. Tabolt of Carthage.

The Mercy Hospital School of Nursing Alumni Award, established to honor a senior nursing student who exemplifies excellence in caring and providing service to the sick, was awarded to Jonah S. Dunn of Dexter.  

Audrey J. Leppert of Fort Drum is the recipient of the Marion Brennan Personal Growth in Nursing Award, bestowed upon an individual who perseveres in the nursing program while overcoming many personal challenges along the way.

Melisa Gibbs of Dexter is the recipient of the Samaritan Medical Center HEART Award which recognizes a student who consistently incorporates compassion and comfort measures during his/her care for patients.

The STAR Award in Memory of Dr. Walter S. Atkinson, bestowed upon an individual who has demonstrated clinical and academic excellence and has consistently performed at the highest level, was awarded to Kenneth B. Torres of Evans Mills.  

Trinity L. Molnar of Chaumont, a freshman nursing student, received the Bill and Kate McBride Family Nursing Award bestowed upon an individual who exemplifies merit in education, hard work, and self-sufficiency, values upheld by the McBride family. 

Nursing students who graduated with academic distinction include members of JCC’s Tau Xi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Hilary R. Bates of Waco, Texas, Caitlynn M. Cunningham of Antwerp, Danielle M. Cunningham of Antwerp, Natalie Diaz of Watertown, Alyssa M. Heath of Watertown, Kyrstin N. Lillie of Sackets Harbor, Tennysha Perdomo-Beltre of Clarksville, Tennessee, and Kenneth B. Torres of Evans Mills, and JCC Honors Program participant, Jonah S. Dunn of Dexter.