Date Posted: May 12, 2025
A momentous occasion unfolded on Wednesday, May 8, 2025, as Southern Crescent Technical College (SCTC) hosted the semi-annual Associate of Science in Nursing Degree (ASN) Pinning Ceremony at Oak Hill Church in Griffin. The event marked a significant milestone in the journey of 46 dedicated nursing graduates, who are now prepared to take the next step toward becoming registered nurses (RNs).
The ceremony was a culmination of hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment exhibited by the graduates throughout their educational journey at SCTC. The Pinning Ceremony, a revered tradition in the nursing field, is a symbolic gesture representing the official transition from nursing education to professional practice. Friends, family, faculty, and distinguished guests were present to witness this significant rite of passage and offer their heartfelt congratulations to the graduates.
Dr. Xenia Johns, Southern Crescent Technical College Executive Vice President, delivered a welcome message commending the graduates for their resilience, dedication, and determination. “Today, we celebrate not just the end of your academic journey, but the beginning of your impactful careers in healthcare. Your hard work and passion have brought you to this moment, and we are confident that you will make a positive difference in the lives of countless patients,” Dr. Johns remarked.
Laura Das Neves, a post-surgical trauma nurse at Piedmont Henry Hospital and SCTC Alumni, served as the guest speaker for the graduates encouraging them to believe in their skills, training, intuition and abilities stating, “Think for a moment of your own special place in this new generation of graduates as your focus now shifts outside of the classroom. You are entering into a profession of unimaginable opportunities, and you are well-prepared for this next step. Don’t ever lose sight of the immeasurable impact you are making on your patients’ lives. Go forth and do great things.”
The May 2025 program graduates included: Tykeria Allen, Lisa Balfour, Katrina Letha Barman, Kierra Symone Battle, Haley Brooks, Terica Brown, India Bryant, Andrea Buchanan, Alicia Clark, Whittni Cooper, Jonathan Corbitt, Kristen Corley, Charles Cotter, Kailey Ashton Crawford, Kristen Davis, Amanda Everett, Ansley Foster, Shawna Gabbidon, Christina Girard, Saundra Goodman, Ibryana Green, Kija Green, Mia Holt, Gabrielle Hook, Makena Hughes, Kayleigh Hunnicutt, Jessica Hunter, Jessika Johnson, Kennedy Lester, Madison Lynch, Caroline Mason, Angela Lynn Mills, Phillomena Otoo, Jakia Parker, Tyanna Rogers, Kierra Ann Rutledge, Muktar Shokeye, Jaden Speaks, Crystal Stallings, LaKendra C. Starks, Brianna Varnadoe, Debbie Waters, Jasmine Vernae Waters, Tachiana Watts, Chundra Williams-Lawhorn, and Sydney Young.
These 46 nursing graduates are now poised to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN), a pivotal step toward becoming licensed professionals in the nursing field. Their education at SCTC has equipped them with the knowledge, skills, and expertise needed to excel in their careers and meet the diverse healthcare needs of the community.
As these graduates embark on their journey to becoming licensed practical nurses, Southern Crescent Technical College congratulates them and wishes them every success in their upcoming NCLEX-RN exams. The College remains steadfast in its commitment to producing well-prepared, compassionate healthcare professionals who will contribute significantly to the betterment of society.