Wayne Community College celebrated its graduating class of registered nurses at a formal pinning ceremony.
The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) graduates each received a pin, scroll, and rose presented to them by faculty members. The pins were designed by the first graduates of WCC’s ADN program in 1973.
The new nurses join the ranks of over 2,200 alumni from WCC’s nursing programs. “You have worked hard, and that work has paid off today,” WCC Nursing Department Chair Michelle Garon told the graduates.
Laura Wade, ADN class president, spoke at the ceremony about the relationship between the graduates. “Over time, through long nights, tough exams, and clinical rotations, we became more than classmates; we became a family,” she said.
Wade said nursing takes both heart and skill and is a calling, not just a job. “It’s about showing up for people in their most vulnerable moments and offering not just clinical care but compassion, presence, and strength,” she shared.
The pinning ceremony included the lighting of lamps and a recitation of the Florence Nightingale pledge. Female graduates wore the traditional nurse’s cap designed exclusively for WCC’s ADN program, and the black stripe on the cap and on male graduates’ sleeves signifies that of a registered nurse.
“Throughout the last two years, our graduates have overcome extraordinary challenges with determination, courage, and resilience. Their journey has been marked by sacrifice, hard work, and countless hours of dedication,” said WCC Nursing Instructor Bryan Johnson.
Three graduates who excelled academically and clinically throughout the program were awarded during the ceremony by WCC nursing faculty. They were presented with a monetary gift donated by the Foundation of WCC.
The Theoretical Excellence Award was presented to Mary Wells, who achieved the highest academic standard in the ADN program. She was recognized for her deep commitment to learning and consistency in going the extra mile. Faculty described her as upbeat and cheerful, always lifting those around her.
Tammy Price earned the Clinical Excellence Award, which is given to the graduate who has demonstrated outstanding performance in the clinical aspect of the nursing curriculum. Price was described as a strong advocate who consistently goes above and beyond to care for patients.
The Outstanding Student Award went to Macy Mozingo. This award recognizes the individual who attained high standards in both the theoretical and clinical components of the ADN program, achieving excellent grades in the classroom while consistently performing well in the program’s labs and clinicals. Faculty said Mozingo pays attention, steps up, and makes a difference.
The 29 ADN graduates, listed by city of residence, are
Dudley
Karen Aguirre-Vargas
Abigail Cora Cox
Fremont
Leslie Paige Lanier
Goldsboro
Madison Alysse Blizzard
Elizabeth Brown
Kelly Lynn Edwards
Ericka Farrior
Anna Lee Freeman
Haley Phillips Gipson
Jayla Doris Holmes
Yuliana Elizabeth Mendez-Carrera
Lauren Claire Mercer
Macy Renee Mozingo
Alissa Grace Price
Elizabeth Lauren Romo
Leila Sanfo Barro
Connor Reed Wise
Bertha Rosibel Zamorano
La Grange
Mattie Rae Staps
Christine Marie Williams
Mount Olive
Jesmin Ramos
Mary Kathryn Wells
Pikeville
Amanda Noel Edens
Isaias Urbina
Seven Springs
Tammy Price
Smithfield
Natalie Brooke Casey
Karen Hernandez
Iris Paniagua-Canas
Walstonburg
Laura Grace Wade
WCC’s limited-entry ADN program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. Graduates must take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to practice as a registered nurse.
Learn more about the ADN program requirements on the College’s website.
About Wayne Community College
Wayne Community College is a public, learning-centered institution with an open-door admission policy located in Goldsboro, N.C. As it works to develop a highly skilled and competitive workforce, the college serves around 10,000 individuals annually as well as businesses, industry, and community organizations with high quality, affordable, accessible learning opportunities, including more than 150 college credit programs. WCC’s mission is to meet the educational, training, and cultural needs of the communities it serves.