Wallace Community College 2026 Spring Nurses Pinning Ceremony

Added: 2026-05-12

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[00:03:30]Good afternoon everyone. Welcome to the Wallace Community College spring 2026 associate degree nursing pinning ceremony.

[00:03:39]Before we proceed with our ceremony, please take a moment to silence your phone.

[00:03:44]Thank you. We are delighted you have joined us for this very special occasion. Will you please stand for the recess processional of our students?

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[00:05:44]At this time, I would like to invite Mr. Jared Danner to the podium, please, for the invocation. If you will, please remain standing during the invocation.

[00:05:53]Thank you.

[00:06:11]Let us pray.

[00:06:13]Almighty and sovereign God, we gather in this solemn and joyful hour with hearts full of gratitude, acknowledging you as the author of wisdom, the giver of strength, and the sustainer of every good and perfect gift. Today we celebrate not only the completion of academic endeavor but the calling of men and women who have been prepared to serve humanity through the noble profession of nursing. Lord, we stand humbled by your faithfulness. Through long nights, demanding lessons, moments of uncertainty, and seasons that tested our endurance, your hand has carried us.

[00:06:55]Every accomplishment represented here today is ultimately a testimony of your grace. We thank you for the faculties, family, me mentors and loved ones who've encouraged us and supported us along this journey. Lord, bless them abundantly for the sacrifices they have made and the strength they have poured into our lives. As we now prepare to step forward into this sacred profession, we ask that you would guide our minds with wisdom, steady our hands with skill, and anchor our hearts in compassion and integrity.

[00:07:33]May we uphold the highest standards of this profession with humility, excellence, and unwavering respect for every life entrusted to our care. In moments of pressure, Lord, grant us discernment. In moments of exhaustion, renew our strength. And in moments when healing is beyond human ability, remind us that you remain the great physician.

[00:07:59]May we never lose sight of the humanity behind every diagnosis, nor the dignity within every patient. Let our presence bring comfort, our words bring hope, and our service reflect both knowledge, mercy, and the greatest of all, love. As we leave this place, may we carry not only the lamp of hope, but the light of your presence, so that wherever we serve, compassion is seen, healing is felt, and you alone receive the glory.

[00:08:34]We dedicate this ceremony, our profession, and our future holy unto you. In the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen. Amen.

[00:08:52]>> Thank you, Jared, Mr. Williams, for that. That is Mr. Danner, excuse me, for that invitation. It was very inspiring.

[00:08:59]At this time um before we proceed, I would like to thank some very special people in the audience and I give you a moment to have a seat.

[00:09:08]I want to thank all of you for your support you've provided our graduates throughout their journey. We are delighted to celebrate their success of our nursing students this afternoon.

[00:09:17]There are some important groups that we would like to recognize in attendance.

[00:09:20]If you are an active or retired member of law enforcement, the military, or a veteran, will you please stand to be recognized?

[00:09:38]If you are a family member of a graduate, will you please stand and be recognized?

[00:09:52]If you are an employee of a healthcare agency, will you please stand and be recognized?

[00:10:04]And last, but certainly not least, if you are a faculty member or staff member of Wallace Community College, will you please stand and be recognized?

[00:10:18]Ladies and gentlemen, we are so incredibly thankful for the support you have provided our students. Students, you have worked hard to be here today.

[00:10:27]When you began nursing school, you had an idea of what a nurse was, what the role and responsibilities of a registered nurse consisted of. During your nursing education, you came to realize there is so much more to the role of the registered nurse than you ever imagined. The skills you acquired are important but alone do not define you as a nurse. The development and refinement of clinical judgment is what sets you apart and defines you. Be proud of what you have accomplished and always remember you are part of something bigger than yourself. I challenge you to be the nurse that families want to provide care for their loved ones and that co-workers want to work with. We are incredibly proud of you and look forward to you continue to continue to celebrate your success when you pass the national counselor lensure examination.

[00:11:18]Notice I said pass and become registered nurses. Your faculty have worked hard to prepare you for this time. You have worked hard to see that come to fruition. Now at this point take your test, be successful and we know you will. And then you earn that credential of registered nurse. Stay positive and do not doubt yourself. And whatever you do, don't change your answers.

[00:11:43]At this time, I would like to invite our president, Dr. Kathy Murphy, to the podium.

[00:11:52]Well, good afternoon to our students. We are so exceptionally proud of you.

[00:11:57]Congratulations, Jared. Thank you for that prayer. And to the faculty uh in our health science area, Dr. Dr. Dubose, Dr. Daniels, so grateful to you for your work, for your leadership. Thank you so much for your commitment. Are there any proud moms and dads and grandparents and other folks in the audience out there anywhere?

[00:12:20]Here, here to you. We realize that uh our children uh can be tough and tenacious and smart and capable, but we also know that lots of good love, nurturing, kindness, and gentle support relentlessly applied can be a positive things for for our students. And so, uh young folks uh who are in front of me, remember that you didn't get here by yourselves, right? So, let's show gratitude to all those who supported you. Thank you so much for that.

[00:12:52]Well, I do want to welcome you to spring 2026 associate degree nursing pinning ceremony.

[00:12:59]There are some days that are just absolute my favorite days as the president of our college and graduation pinning ceremonies, honors days. Those are just absolutely at the top of the list. This is a very special celebration of achievement for our students and our families and for Wallace Community College faculty and staff. The pinning ceremony is always exciting as each graduate has an opportunity to walk across the stage to be pinned to have that candle be lit. And the lighting of that candle indicates the transition from nursing student to graduate. As a result of this transition, the students lives have been transformed and a new identity as a graduate nurse will be realized. The dedication of our graduates to the noble profession of nursing represents the very best of Wallace Community College and will have a lasting impact on the community and on the profession. It is wonderful to see so many family members and friends here this afternoon. Your support of these students has been vital to their success. And graduates, as I encouraged you, never underestimate the impact of prayers and encouragement and the nurturing and the kindness of others to you has played in your success today.

[00:14:29]Your success is not just your su success today. It's your parents and those who've loved you and also to our faculty here at Wallace Community College.

[00:14:41]Watching you grow into a skilled and knowledgeable graduate nurse is fulfilling and it's a momentous occasion for all who are in attendance today. It was Florence Nightingale who once said, "Let us never let us never consider ourselves finished nurses. We must be learning all of our lives." Your lifelong learning and dedication to the profession does not end today. It actually just begins today. It continues as you step into your role as caregivers, as leaders, and as innovators.

[00:15:18]We're so fortunate in our country to have such devoted nurses that not only alleviate suffering, but also provide skilled, knowledgeable care. And may I pause to emphasize care. Care about those folks to whom you're providing that service.

[00:15:37]Nursing. Nursing is a calling and one that requires long hours, compassion, and a willingness to put others before yourself. This afternoon celebration reminds us of the awesome responsibility, nurses, that you're going to have and the selfless service that you'll provide. We're so thankful that you've chosen this admirable profession.

[00:16:03]We applaud your hard work and success.

[00:16:05]We offer you our deepest congrat congratulations and a job well done.

[00:16:11]Let's give our students another uh hand of applause. We are so proud of you.

[00:16:19]We are also appreciative to all of our health caregivers in this community.

[00:16:24]This is a wonderful, supportive community of caregivers uh throughout our city and this region and thank you for that. I'd like to now introduce Dr. Rayanne Daniels, our associate uh degree nursing division chair to the podium.

[00:16:37]Thank you so much to the families, friends, and supporters here tonight. Thank you. Your encouragement, your patience, and your belief in these graduates helped carry them through the long nights, the early mornings, and everything in between.

[00:17:00]This achievement belongs to you as well.

[00:17:04]This afternoon is a celebration of dedications, resilience, and purpose to our graduates. The pen you will receive is small, but it carries great meaning.

[00:17:18]This pen is not just a symbol of what you have done, but who you have become.

[00:17:24]You have learned to think critically, to care deeply, and to stand steady in the moments when others look to you for strength. You are stepping into a profession that asks for both skill and heart, and you have shown that you possess both.

[00:17:42]As you walk across this stage, remember this moment is not an ending, it's a beginning. Let this pen remind you that you are capable, you are prepared, and you are needed. Carry it with pride, and let it inspire you to keep growing, keep learning, and keep serving with the same determination that brought you here tonight. At this time, I invite Dr. Kirsty Hardwick and Dr. Beth Neil to please come forward to begin the pinning ceremony.

[00:18:20]As they do, we welcome family members and loved ones to come forward to take photographs of this special moment. We kindly ask that you remain mindful of others who wish to capture this occasion as well.

[00:18:35]We also respectfully request that applause be held until all graduates have been pinned so that each student's name may be clearly heard as they are being called to the stage.

[00:18:48]Graduates, please rise and get into a position to receive your nursing pen.

[00:19:10]Okay.

[00:19:13]Alexandria Adams.

[00:19:32]Chzny Appan, Natalie Ashworth.

[00:20:10]Brooke Beasley, Rachel Rachel Balden.

[00:20:47]Jacob Bowers, April Braramlet. Let Caitlyn Carowway Hi, James Chambers.

[00:21:54]Jennifer Chance, Sarah Chastine Riley Cheek, Latasha Cook, Chantel Cooper.

[00:23:19]Candace Cummings, Jared Danner Rebecca Dappa, Boris Jud Katrina Golden Abby growth ear.

[00:24:51]Bailey Paul.

[00:24:56]I got it. I got it.

[00:25:05]Lashereé Hamilton, >> Michaela Heath.

[00:25:34]Payton Hodgej, Erica Horn, Ashley Horn, Hannah Jardigan, Andrea Johnson, >> Zia Leonard Ashley McMahon.

[00:27:06]>> I got it.

[00:27:06]>> I got you.

[00:27:14]>> Brianna Mahas PA.

[00:27:18]No, >> Misty Moody.

[00:27:46]Rashanda Mosley and McKinley Parker.

[00:28:14]Lisa Pinentel, Kimberly Pittz Aaron Register, >> Jonathan Reynolds, Jesse Simmons, Heather Simon Aaron Timson, Laney Treywick, Dian true long.

[00:30:19]>> They're back there.

[00:30:23]Go get them. Okay.

[00:30:26]Crystal Williams, Ebony Williams.

[00:31:13]Monica Williams.

[00:31:29]TJ Williams.

[00:31:43]Bye daddy.

[00:32:10]Please give a round of applause for these graduates.

[00:32:32]Okay, >> the next part of this ceremony is the candle lighting ceremony. At this time, I will ask Miss Emily Mintosh, Dr. Nick Money, Miss Desiree Ritter to please come forward.

[00:32:51]Dr. Godwin, please come to the stage of the graduates in the Night andale pledge.

[00:32:59]Graduates, please rise and get into position as you prepare for the candle lighting ceremony.

[00:33:23]The candle lighting ceremony is a symbolic representation of the passing on of the nursing traditions of caring and compassion from the teacher to the student. The name candle lighting is used because of the historical association with Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing and nursing education.

[00:33:45]She gave care and comfort to the sick as she made her rounds. She brought light to the dark areas in healthc care with her research and teaching and her lamp became a symbol of dedication and compassion.

[00:34:00]The candles our graduates however held in the lamp of knowledge.

[00:34:05]The lighting of each graduate's candle represents the transition from student to member of the nursing profession as a culmination of the many months of nursing education.

[00:34:18]In honor of Florence Nightingale, I would like to read a poem written by Diva Marie Beck.

[00:34:25]Today, our world needs healing and to be rekindled with love. Once Floring Nightingale lent lit her beacon of lamp light to comfort the wounded. Her light has blazed a path of service across the centuries to us through her example and through the countless nurses and healers who have followed in her footsteps.

[00:34:48]Today we celebrate the flame of Florence Nightingale's legacy. Let the same light be rekindled to burn brightly in our hearts. Let us take up our own lanterns of caring, each in our own ways, to more brightly walk our paths of service to the world, to more clearly share our own noble purpose with each other.

[00:35:12]May human caring become the lantern for the 21st century. May we better learn to care for ourselves, for each other, and for all creation.

[00:35:24]Through our caring, may we be the keepers of that flame, that our spirits may burn brightly to kindle the hearts of our children and great grandchildren as they too follow in these footsteps.

[00:35:40]The Nightingale pledge is the oath recited by nursing graduates worldwide as they prepare to enter the nursing profession. It was originally pinned and fashioned on the hypocratic oath and in honor of the pioneer of nursing, Florence Nightingale.

[00:35:58]The pledge reflected nursing practice and the role of the professional nurse in 1893.

[00:36:05]As we pin our spring 2026 nursing graduates 133 years later, the Nightingale pledge still encompasses all that is nursing, such as a duty to care and the ethical and moral principles of non-malfcence, confidentiality, and client advocacy.

[00:36:30]It is with great pride that I ask the spring 2026 nursing graduates to recite the Nightingale pledge as they take the step from student nurse into that of professional nursing graduates. Please repeat after me. I solemnly pledge myself before God.

[00:36:55]and in the presence of this assembly.

[00:36:57]>> And in the presence of this assembly, >> to practice my profession faithfully, >> to practice my profession, >> I will not take or knowingly administer >> I will not knowingly administer >> any harmful drug >> any harmful drug. I will do all in my power >> I will do all in my power >> to maintain and elevate >> maintain and elevate >> the standard of my profession.

[00:37:26]I will hold in confidence >> I will hold in confidence >> all personal matters and family affairs >> all personal >> coming to my knowledge >> coming to my knowledge >> in the practice of my calling >> in the practice of my >> I will endeavor to aid physicians >> I will endeavor to aid physicians >> in their work >> in their work >> and devote myself to the welfare >> devote of those committed to my care.

[00:37:59]>> of those committed to my care.

[00:38:03]>> Audience, please stand.

[00:38:07]Miss Monica Williams, if you will please come forward for the benediction.

[00:38:32]Let us bow our heads and pray. Heavenly Father, we thank you for this special occasion and for the dedication, perseverance, and compassion of us as nursing graduates. Today, as we receive our pins, we celebrate not only our accomplishments, but also our calling to serve others with skill, kindness, and love. Lord guide our hands as we care for the sick, comfort the hurting, and bring hope to those in need. Grant us the wisdom in every decision, strength during difficult moments, and patience and grace in our daily work. Protect us as we enter this noble profession. May we always serve with integrity, humility, and compassion. Let our lives be a light to patients, families, and communities everywhere. Bless our families, instructors, and loved ones who supported us along this journey. As this ceremony comes to a close, may your peace and favor rest upon each graduate and all gathered here today. In your holy name, we pray. Amen.

[00:39:32]>> Amen.

[00:39:37]>> Thank you, Miss Williams, for those beautiful words. Tonight, this afternoon, before we conclude, we have a couple things we'd like to share with you, please. Um the students shortly will leave, but when they do, if you will please meet with your your graduates outside the civic center.

[00:39:52]We're getting ready for our graduation ceremony tonight, which we invite you to return to, please. At this time, I'm going to ask that the students um start their recessional and if you will please remain standing during that time and after that, please meet them outside.

[00:40:06]Thank you so much for being here with us tonight. Thank you.