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Featured photo: (Left to right) Front row: Carolyn Hinchey, Heather Parton, Kim Hoffman, Kaye Edge, May Cortez-Fuentes, Yuri Chagala-Gallardo, Nicole Solano-Islas. Back row: Ian Havey, Faith Jenkins, Eden Sparks, Soleil Ayers, Cassie Goodrich, Ashton Collins, Taylor Messer, Justin Munger. (Photo by Rich Keen.)
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On Wednesday evening, Dec. 10, Blue Ridge Community College’s Practical Nursing graduates gathered on the Henderson County Campus to celebrate their accomplishments at the second annual Practical Nurse Pinning Ceremony. The program launched at Blue Ridge two years ago, providing a new pathway for students interested in the nursing profession.
Blue Ridge Community College President Dr. Laura Leatherwood welcomed graduates and attendees to the ceremony and remarked on graduates’ impact on the community.
“This is our second cohort in this rapidly growing program, and we could not be more proud,” she said. “Practical Nursing is one of the newest additions to our healthcare pathways, and it is quickly helping to meet a great need in our local healthcare workforce.”
The one-year Practical Nursing program allows students a fast entry into the nursing profession. Upon graduation, students are prepared to take the NCLEX-PN licensure exam, a requirement for practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).
Blue Ridge’s Practical Nursing program is also fully compatible with the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program, which prepares students for careers as registered nurses (RN). This year, Blue Ridge also announced a new LPN-to-RN bridge program, designed to help licensed practical nurses transition to registered nurses. The new bridge program will launch its first cohort in the summer of 2026.
Dean of Health Sciences Leigh Angel, MSN, RN, thanked donor Paul Young, who gave $1M to the Blue Ridge Community College Educational Foundation in support of nursing programs.
“This program holds a meaningful place in the Young family’s heart because of the exceptional nursing care their loved one, Renee, received. The compassion shown to her left a lasting imprint on Mr. Young and his family, one so meaningful that they chose to support our nursing programs in her memory,” said Angel. “Their generosity strengthens our students, our faculty, and the excellence we strive for each day. And each time I speak with Mr. Young and his family, I am reminded of how deeply a nurse’s kindness can shape the lives of patients and those who love them. Graduates, I hope you will carry forward that same spirit of compassion and integrity throughout your careers.”
At the ceremony, graduates participated in the Lantern Tradition, which uses light to symbolize providing help and hope to those in need.
The graduating class also recited the Nurse’s Pledge, which begins: “In full knowledge of the obligation I am undertaking, I promise to care for the sick with all the skills and understanding I possess.”
Graduate speakers Faith Jenkins and Eden Sparks shared about their journey on behalf of their classmates. Instructor Amanda Lambert MSN, RN, also shared a congratulatory message.
“Congratulations to our Practical Nursing students,” said program director Dr. Amy Szoka, PhD, RN. “Their educational journey has them well-prepared to make a real difference in the lives of others.”
Information about all of Blue Ridge Community College’s healthcare programs is available at www.blueridge.edu/healthcare. Practical Nursing program information is provided at www.blueridge.edu/practical-nursing.
The following graduates received pins at the pinning ceremony:
Soleil Ayers
Yuridia (Yuri) Chagala-Gallardo
Ashton Collins
Karon (Kay) Edge
Mayra Cortez-Fuentes
Cassandra (Cassie) Goodrich
Ian Havey
Carolyn Hinchey
Kimberly Hoffman
Faith Jenkins
Taylor Messer
Justin Munger
Heather Parton
Nicole Solano-Islas
Eden Sparks