BVT pins 2021’s Practical Nursing Class
Becoming a nurse takes dedication and hard work to obtain the knowledge, skill, and compassion to care for patients. The Practical Nursing (Post-Secondary) program at Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School provides its non-traditional adult student with life-changing training to succeed as a practical nurse in a progressively complex health care field.
The Practical Nursing Class of 2021 recently earned their nursing certificates, awarded at a pinning ceremony on February 8. For the 19 graduates, it marked the culmination of one and a half years and over 1,090 hours of instruction balanced with work and family obligations.
“The pinning ceremony is more than a nursing tradition,” explained Practical Nursing Coordinator Joann L. Monks, MBA, MSc, RN-BC, RMA. “It symbolizes our students’ commitment, hard work, and dedication to complete the coursework and clinical hours required to earn a practical nursing certificate to become a Licensed Practical Nurse.”
Superintendent-Director Dr. Michael F. Fitzpatrick was proud to sign his name on the certificates. He said, “Given the depth and difficulty of this program, this group of students demonstrated the talent, knowledge, and compassion that has become a hallmark of our graduates. Well-trained, they are a valuable resource for the residents, hospitals, and health care providers of the Blackstone Valley.”
With pandemic restrictions in place, Class President Abigail Angell of Grafton shared her thoughts in an inspired open letter to this gifted class of extraordinary women. She said, “You’re amazing people who will do great things with your abilities. I wish you nothing but success in your future endeavors.” She also thanked the instructors, “The exceptional faculty challenged us and taught values that go beyond textbooks and PowerPoints. Thank you for holding us to the highest standards of excellence and pushing us to reach our full potential.”
The Class of 2021 graduates, having earned their practical nursing certificates, are eligible to test for the National Council Licensure Examination-Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). The Practical Nursing program is currently accepting applications for August 2021 enrollment. For more information, visit www.valleytech.k12.ma.us/practicalnursing.
The Class of 2021 members listed alphabetically by their hometowns:
Bellingham – Lauren Jacobs
Douglas – Courtney Britt and Michaela Lamy
Dudley – Heather Buduo
Franklin – Molly Malloy
Grafton – Abigail Angell, Class President
Hopedale – Anastarcia Carlino
Leicester – Brenda O’Neill
Mendon – Susan Giargiari
Marlborough – Auburn Howard
Millbury – Dior Lukos
Millville – Beth Paige
Northbridge – Kathryn Deschene, Tiffany Salo-LeBlanc
Randolph – Roberta Silva
Westborough – Wendy Consoli
Worcester – Djinara Grier, Rosemond Damptey, and Marva Whyte
