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Blue Hills Regional Adult Postgrad Practical Nursing Graduation
Graduates are told by keynote speaker, "You will go above and beyond for your patients."
PHOTO CAPTION: Nikita Lauture of Mansfield is pinned by instructor Suzanne Bucaria at the Blue Hills Regional Adult Postgraduate Practical Nursing Program Graduation held at Norwood High School on June 27, 2018. Photo by Judy Bass.
By Judy Bass
The Adult Postgraduate Practical Nursing Program at Blue Hills Regional Technical School in Canton held its 29th annual Commencement on June 27, 2018.
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The event was held in the auditorium at Norwood High School due to the school renovation project currently underway at Blue Hills. The faculty and students of the Practical Nursing Program extend their sincere thanks to the administration of Norwood High School for the use of their facility.
Among those who attended the ceremony were Norwood representative to the Blue Hills Regional District School Committee Kevin L. Connolly and Secretary / Braintree representative to the Blue Hills Regional District School Committee Eric C. Erskine.
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The Class of 2018 included these individuals:
Travona Abrams (Brockton), Melissa Augustin (Randolph), Lennesie Aurelien (Randolph), Nataly Barros (Brockton), Tiana Boykin (Randolph), Martine Cherelus (Avon), Stephanie Decourcy (Norwood), Sarah Depradine (Weymouth), Sorahya Desire (Brockton), Alicia DiCenzo (Canton), Shakarah Green (Brockton), Fredzie Jean-Charles (Hyde Park), Alexandria Jordan (Fall River), Melissa Justal (Stoughton), Nathalie Kwadje (Lynn), Rebecca LaBrecque (Abington), Nikita Lauture (Mansfield), Kate Lee (Quincy), Nagelene Lubin (Brockton), Sarah McCafferty (West Bridgewater), Rebecca Monfiston (Randolph), Melissa Moseley (Weymouth), Kimberly Murat (Brockton), Bonnie Musto (Westwood), Brittany Navis (Middleboro), Yesima Paul (Brockton), Jemima Philippe (Malden), Ashleigh Picciandra (Attleboro), Marie Sophia Raphael (Norwalk, Conn.), Samantha Roselli (North Attleboro), Medgine Syliant (Malden), Jaclyn Traynor (Rockland), Hannah Wambugu (Weymouth), Cassandra Yoyo (Chelsea).
Dr. Roxanne Mihal, DNP, RN, CS-ANP, chairperson of the Practical Nursing Program, was master of ceremonies.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Melissa Moseley of the Class of 2018, who is a US Air Force Master Sergeant.
The opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Matthew O’Malley, Milton representative to the Blue Hills Regional District School Committee. He thanked the faculty and staff of the program for their excellent work, and noted that the Practical Nursing Program is “an integral part of the fulfillment of Blue Hills’ mission.”
The keynote speaker was Clinical Instructor Marguerite Guillaume, MSN, FNP-C, who was valedictorian of the Practical Nursing Program Class of 2009. She exhorted the graduates to be proud of themselves and said, “You have an incredible opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life every day you go to work. You will go above and beyond for your patients.”
The presentation of certificates was done by Ms. Nancy Finnell, M.Ed., RN, assisted by Dr. Mihal and Blue Hills Director of Admissions and Financial Aid Marybeth Joyce.
The presentation of pins was done by Ms. Betty Diane Lyons, MSN, RN, Ms. Catherine Mohan, BSN, RN, Ms. Suzanne Bucaria, Ed.M, MS, RN, Ms. Patricia Greene, BSN, RN, Ms. Ruth Murphy, M.Ed., BSN, RN, and Ms. Susan Morse, BSN, RN.
Roses were given to each graduate by Practical Nursing Program Secretary / Career Placement Specialist Amanda Durand.
The class representatives were Ms. Kimberly Murat and Ms. Bonnie Musto, Class of 2018.
One of the most dramatic moments of the evening was the candle lighting ceremony led by Dr. Mihal with each graduate holding a lit candle in the darkened auditorium while reciting the Nurse’s Pledge.
Presentation of the following awards was done by Ms. Mohan and Ms. Lyons:
The Wilfrid J. Savoie General Excellence Award was presented to Nataly Barros for best exemplifying those characteristics sought in the practical nurse, notably clinical excellence, scholarship and a deep commitment to nursing. This award is given in honor of a former superintendent of Blue Hills Regional.
The Faculty Award was presented to Stephanie Decourcy for outstanding commitment, motivation and positive attitude in the role of practical nurse in both the academic and clinical areas.
The Achievement Award was presented to Melissa Augustin and Sarah McCafferty for their determination to succeed and exceptional growth in the role of the student practical nurse.
The Maureen McCann Nightingale Award was presented to Melissa Justal for demonstrating a high level of motivation and perseverance as a student practical nurse. She was recognized and honored for an uncommon determination to succeed and the ability to uphold professional standards, thereby demonstrating a deep commitment to nursing. This award is given in honor of a former chairperson of the Practical Nursing Program.
The Inspiration Award was presented to Jaclyn Traynor for always demonstrating a positive attitude through her kindness and comradery with her classmates, as well as her genuine devotion to the Practical Nursing Program.
The Clinical Excellence Award was presented to Sorahya Desire for best exemplifying those characteristics sought in the practical nurse, notably clinical excellence and a deep commitment to nursing.
The Festus Joyce Vocational Award was presented to Hannah Wambugu for demonstrating the qualities of honesty, respect, responsibility and commitment to the nursing profession. This award is given in honor of the late Mr. Joyce, who was a Blue Hills Regional instructor, Milton representative to the Blue Hills Regional District School Committee, and a steadfast supporter of the Practical Nursing Program.
The Motivation Award was presented to Shakarah Green who was recognized for her continued perseverance and professional growth accomplished both academically and clinically.
The Adult Postsecondary Practical Nursing Program at Blue Hills Regional www.bluehills.org
The Program is offered on a full-time basis for 40 weeks from September to June, Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Clinical hours may vary to accommodate clinical agency availability. The Practical Nursing Program offers a rigorous educational experience of theory and clinical practice which prepares graduates to take the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing) through the State Board of Registration in Nursing. The faculty provides an exceptional learning environment and the support services to ensure that students succeed.
Postsecondary admission at Blue Hills Regional Technical School is managed by the Director of Admissions and Financial Aid through the Blue Hills Regional Admissions Department. The Admissions and Financial Aid Office is open from 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. to the general public, Monday through Friday. If people have any questions about the admissions or financial aid process, contact the Director by email at mjoyce@bluehills.org or call the Admissions Department at (781) 828-5800 x231.