Forty-eight students graduated from Dutchess BOCES’ Practical Nursing Program at the Career Technical Institute during an annual ceremony at the Pete and Toshi Seeger Theater at Beacon High School on June 23.
This year saw some parents cheering for two children, instead of one, as four sets of siblings graduated together. Coordinator of Health Occupations JoAnne Williams asked the siblings to stand up together and encouraged all students to keep in touch.
“Normally I would say to all of you, ‘Welcome to the wonderful world of nursing and welcome to joining the nursing family,’ but this year it’s truly a family affair,” Williams said. “Please remember the significant friendships that you made here at BOCES … I truly hope that you remain close, for you share a very special bond.”
Brandon Campbell graduated with his sister Samantha and while he said it was unusual at first, they quickly became each other’s support system and shared a tight bond with his other classmates.
“It’s really useful at the end of the day, you can bounce things off each other, which is great,” Brandon Campbell recalled. “We were all super close.”
After completing the New York State nursing licensure exam, Campbell wants to become an informatics nurse, who integrates nursing, computer and information sciences to manage and communicate data, information, knowledge and wisdom in nursing practice.
“I feel relieved and accomplished, but the job is not finished,” he said.
The ceremony was filled with moving moments. Graduate Alisa Landi accepted an honorary certificate of completion from Ulster BOCES in memory of her late father Robert, who was studying to become a nurse, and all graduates recited the Florence Nightingale Pledge, signifying the journey from first-time student in the program to practical nurse.
“The light of her lamp gave soldiers that she cared for a sense of hope,” Williams said of Nightingale, who treated soldiers during the Crimean War and used a lamp to guide the way. “Always shine your light on those you care for.”
Student representative Diana Allen noted that she and her classmates, “started from the bottom and now we’re here,” referencing rapper Drake’s 2013 hit. She encouraged them to stay humble and never stop pushing for what’s next, even when times are tough.
“We were put through the ringer with quizzes, tests, clinicals and a schedule that seemed like it was built to test our sanity,” Allen recalled. “Through all that, we persevered … It took a village and I’m so thankful each of you became part of mine.”
Elizabeth Schultz, who will continue her studies to become a registered nurse, wanted to join this profession to help people who cannot care for themselves and is thrilled for the future.
“It’s relieving and exciting to be done,” Schultz said. “We’re ready to go to the next chapter.”
