ELLISVILLE – Thirty new practical nursing graduates of Jones County Junior College’s one-year program are ready to enter the workforce.

The Practical Nursing Pinning Ceremony signified the completion of the rigorous program.

These JCJC graduates are now ready to take the national licensure exam, which is necessary before they can begin working as an LPN.

“This class has been a very dedicated and hard-working class.  Several have had personal tragedies that added to the stress of nursing school, but they pressed on, and were successful in completing the program,” said JCJC Practical Nursing Program Director, Lori Tally.

“I am proud of these student nurses who become graduates today. Our area healthcare facilities have job openings for practical nursing and several of our students are already interviewing for jobs.”

JCJC practical nursing student graduates include: Mandy Renee Baker, Hattiesburg; Bailey Montanna Blair, Shubuta; Chance Levell Byrd, Hattiesburg; Kevin Matthew  Byrd, Hattiesburg; Michaelah Kirstin Clark, Richton; Annette Wade Culpepper, Collins; Victoria Whitney Darby, Collins; Melissa Lorraine Errington, Monticello; Valerie Holliman Evans, Prentiss; Roshita LaDream Gates, Pauling; Adrianna Ke’Brodnee Goodman, Jackson; Candace Michelle  Hillman, Leakesville; Brittany Charanda Jones, Hattiesburg; Tatina Jamika Lott, Taylorsville; Darius De’Latti Magee, Franklinton, LA; Haley Rene’ Martin, Hattiesburg; Jaquita D Martin, Laurel; Katlyn Marie Martin, Laurel; Lindsay Rigdon Moody, Louisville; Mary Dianna Overstreet, Laurel; Kimberly Ann Parker, State Line;  Stephen Allen Ruffin, Petal; Marisa Renee Rushton, Soso; Amanda Joy Schrader, Moselle; Vivian Marie Sills, Madison; Jennifer Lynne Simmons, Petal; Lyndi Christine Stapp, Laurel; Jessica Alexandria Strickland, Hattiesburg; Kimberly Nicole Taylor, Richton; Tara Darlene Young, Petal.

During the pinning ceremony, JCJC students reflected on their year long journey highlighting obstacles and their favorite teacher’s memories.

The day concluded with the traditional candle or lamp lighting which was inspired by Florence Nightingale’s search for patients during the Crimean War in 1854 with a lamp.

The new practical nursing graduates also took the nursing pledge before friends and relatives who gathered for this special occasion.