Wayne Community College honored the 2025 graduating class of its Practical Nursing program at a formal pinning ceremony.
The new graduates received pins that were designed by some of the first graduates of WCC’s Practical Nursing program. Students crossed the stage to receive a pin, rose, and scroll presented to them by WCC nursing faculty as they joined over 2,300 alumni from the WCC nursing programs.
The ceremony included the lighting of lamps and a recitation of the practical nursing pledge. Female graduates wore the traditional nurse’s cap designed specifically for WCC’s Practical Nursing program, and the gray stripe on the cap and on male graduates’ sleeves signifies that of a licensed practical nurse.
WCC Nursing Department Chair Michelle Garon described the ceremony as a chance to celebrate the students’ success in attaining their academic accomplishments. “As you end this leg of your journey, please take time to enjoy these moments. Today is your day to shine,” she told the graduates.
Lani Kincaid, Practical Nursing graduate and class president, spoke during the ceremony about the long days and nights of studying that bonded the classmates. “The friendships forged in nursing school are unlike any other,” she said. “The spirit of camaraderie and support is the very essence of nursing.”
WCC Nursing Simulation Coordinator Bryan Johnson acknowledged the sacrifices and determination that led to this milestone for the graduates. “As we gather today, we celebrate the remarkable accomplishments of our nursing graduates who have faced and conquered one of the most demanding challenges of their life. They enter the profession not just with knowledge but with the empathy and strength needed to impact countless lives in meaningful ways,” he said.
Each year, the nursing faculty selects three graduates to receive special awards for excelling academically and clinically throughout the program. Recipients were given a monetary gift donated by the Foundation of WCC.
The Theoretical Excellence Award was presented to Mikayla Cordeiro, who achieved the highest academic standard in the Practical Nursing program. She was described by faculty as self-motivated and proactive with a drive to succeed.
The Clinical Excellence Award was given to Jala Roberson, recognizing her excellence in the clinical component of the nursing curriculum. Faculty noticed her strength in the clinical setting, time management, and willingness to grow from the beginning of the program.
Nora Hernandez Lopez received the Outstanding Student Award for achieving high standards in both the theoretical and clinical components of the Practical Nursing program while also actively participating in class and professional activities. She was described as compassionate, respectful, and incredibly dedicated to giving her best every day.
The 13 Practical Nursing graduates, listed by city of residence, are:
Dudley
Eric Torres
Faison
Monserrat Quintana-Borbonio
Barbara Santiz
Goldsboro
Zarria Battle
Nora Hernandez Lopez
Shamellar Howard
Lani Kincaid
Cheyenne Sutton
Greenville
Jala Roberson
Kenly
Kimberly Thornton
Mount Olive
Glenda Alegria
Pikeville
Zaida Hinnant
Seven Springs
Mikayla Cordeiro
WCC’s limited-admission Practical Nursing program is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing. It offers a diploma upon successful completion and prepares students to become licensed practical nurses once they pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN).
Learn more about WCC’s Practical Nursing program on our 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.