After receiving their pins, the TSJC Nursing graduates gathered on stage for the lighting of lamps and nightingale pledge while family and friends showed their support.
Trinidad State’s Nursing Department recognized 17 graduates at its annual Graduation and Pinning Ceremony on Saturday morning, May 11 at the Massari Theater. Each graduate was awarded a Nursing pin and those with GPAs of 3.0 or higher were inducted into the Alpha Delta Nu Nursing Honor Society, an honor society created by the National Organization of Associate Degree Nurses.
The Nursing pin symbolizes the history of the Trinidad State Nursing program since its establishment in 1978. Director of Nursing Lori Rae Hamilton explained the meaning of the symbols within the pin. The sunrise represents a new profession for the students, while the clouds symbolize “All the different emotions that this profession will take you through,” Hamilton told the graduates. She continued to explain the various other symbols included in the pin, like the Culebra and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges, railroad tracks, stars and embracing hands.
“We have laid your foundation here at Trinidad State,” Hamilton said, “It is extremely important to continue on building that foundation by continuing your education.”
“Be a nurse, be a leader, and wear this pin with pride,” Hamilton concluded.
Each graduate was invited on stage to receive their pin and a family member or friend of each student was invited to do the pinning.
As a part of the ceremony, Valedictorian Liza Chavez and Salutatorian, Tanyia Baquette addressed their classmates. “Over the past few years, we’ve become family,” Baquette said, “Sharing our struggles, laughter, tears, triumphs, and waiting with bated breath for that 77 percent.”
Upon completion of the Associate Degree Nursing curriculum, students take the NCLEX-RN exam to become registered nurses. The Trinidad State Nursing program will welcome a new class of nursing students on May 20. For more information about the Nursing program at Trinidad State, contact Mary Ellen Armijo at (719) 846-5535.
