Each student was individually recognized and "pinned" in front of family, friends and faculty, marking the culmination of 10 months of rigorous coursework, clinical experience and personal growth. The ceremony honored the students' hard work, determination and commitment to entering the healthcare field.
Program Supervisor Diane Thompson, MS, APRN, FNP-BC, praised the graduates for the dedication and perseverance that brought them to this moment.
"You have put in many hours of hard work and it has led you here tonight to stand on this stage as graduate practical nurses. I am proud of your dedication, tenacity and drive to succeed through all the obstacles you faced. You can be the nurse that will make a difference, change someone's life, maybe even SAVE it!" said Thompson.
Student speaker Samira Aguda reflected on the journey she and her classmates shared, expressing gratitude for the support they found in one another throughout the program.
"We're really grateful for this program. It pushed us, sometimes more than we thought we could handle, but it also gave us confidence and prepared us for what's ahead," said Aguda. "One of the best parts of this whole experience was the people in this room."
WSWHE BOCES District Superintendent Dr. Turina Parker congratulated the graduates on reaching an important milestone.
"You reached goals that once seemed distant and you pushed through obstacles with unwavering determination," said Parker. "Be incredibly proud of your dedication, of the hard work you invested and the invaluable knowledge and skills you gained."
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses held approximately 651,400 jobs in 2024. Employment of licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses is projected to grow 3 percent from 2024 to 2034.
WSWHE BOCES Adult Practical Nursing Program is dedicated to training practical nurses prepared to work in the future healthcare system. The 1,200-hour Adult Practical Nursing program prepares students to excel in healthcare while meeting the rigorous standards of the New York State Education Department's Office of Higher and Professional Education.
Graduates of the Practical Nursing program are now prepared to begin careers caring for patients in healthcare settings throughout the region and beyond.
Congratulations!
Photos are available in this Google Drive.
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