Pearl River Community College’s Practical Nursing Program held a pinning ceremony for five cohorts of 2020 graduates Dec. 1 in the Ethel Holden Brownstone Center for the Arts.
The cohorts included Hancock Center Night Class, Forrest County Center Night Class, Forrest County Campus Day Class, Poplarville Campus Day Class and Poplarville Campus Night Class.
“This is a remarkable day,” PRCC President Dr. Adam Breerwood said. “You are on the front lines. You are so well equipped with your empathy, compassion and continued determination. You are leaders. You are heroes. You will the brightest light in some of the darkest times for someone. This is a very difficult and challenging program. Your resilience and determination have led you through it. Congratulations.”
The ceremony was even further celebrated with this being the first graduating class of Practical Nurses from the Hancock Campus in approximately 18 years. It was also the first graduating night class from the Poplarville campus and the last graduating class of dual enrollment/afternoon class students from both Hattiesburg and Poplarville.
“We are extremely excited to be the first graduating class in 18 years,” said Hancock Campus student and Picayune resident Faith Stockstill. “We are excited to see the program grow in the future.”
As part of COVID-19 precautions, all participants and spectators wore masks and each student was pinned by a family member as they crossed the stage.
“You are determined despite a pandemic,” Vice President for Planning and Institutional Research and the Hancock Center and Dean of the Dr. William Lewis Honors Institute Dr. Jennifer Seal said. “You have chosen the healthcare profession. We at PRCC are so proud of you. Congratulations on your tremendous accomplishments.”
