Graduates of JCC's Nursing Program Pinned, Spring 2022

Jefferson Community College (JCC) held its annual Pinning Ceremony for graduates of the College’s nursing program on May 19, 2022 in the College’s Sturtz Theater. Thirty-four (34) 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 Cassandra M. Birth of Black River.

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 Jamila L. Martin of Fort Drum. 

Grace A. Matthews of Watertown 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.

Jeannine T. Ison of Black River 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 Alyssa N. Martin of Watertown.

Samantha F. Sharp of Watertown, 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.  

Bottom row (l-r): Jamila L. Martin of Fort Drum, Cassandra M. Birth of Black River, Jennifer L. Calimlim of Chesapeake, Virginia, Cassondra I. Hayes of Carthage, Italia M. Rios of Clayton, Jeannine T. Ison of Black River, Angelina Cline of Philadelphia, Lindsey Way of Watertown, Jennifer L. Barton of LaFargeville, Kari L. Hogan of Henderson

Middle row (l-r): Kelsey L. Williams of Redwood, Kylie M. Wilson of Fort Drum, Cassie Mosley of Sandy Creek, Anna N. Thurston of Evans Mills, Leah M. White of Hammond, Grace A. Matthews of Watertown, Alyssa N. Martin of Watertown, Haley A. Reed of Watertown, Taylor M. Rosette of Watertown, Georgia L. Barton of LaFargeville 

Top row (l-r): Ashley Lackershire of Fort Drum, Jaime Reed of Richland, James I. Pink of Cape Vincent, Patricia R. Penree of Watertown, Brandy R. Sabol of Fort Drum, Alexis Charlton of Watertown, Amber L. Dibble of Cicero, Michelle L. Williams of Carthage, Jasmine N. McGee Crawford of Fort Drum, Taylor B. A. Brown of Watertown, Katelyn M. C. Johnson of Beaver Falls, Hannah R. Bertram of Black River, Emma R. Coyner of Glens Falls, Kelly Wesley of Carthage