Two years of hard work and sacrifice were celebrated by the 2024 Class of Registered Nursing students as they participated in the annual Pinning Ceremony on Tuesday, April 30.
Dressed in blue scrubs with the program insignia worn proudly on their sleeves, the students gathered in the Plunkett Wallace Gymnasium surrounded by friends, family, and Snead State faculty and administration.
Snead State President Dr. Joe Whitmore and Snead State Director of Health Sciences Dr. Lisa Brock addressed the students during the ceremony while Class President Ryan Bradford of Albertville offered remarks to his fellow RN graduates.
“To our graduates, I want to express my deepest admiration for your remarkable journey. You have navigated rigorous academic challenges, honed your clinical skills, and demonstrated the upmost compassion and empathy in caring for others. Your resilience, determination, and passion for nursing have brought you to this pivotal moment, and for that, you deserve every accolade and recognition,” said Dr. Whitmore.
“As you embark on this next chapter of your journey, I urge you to hold steadfast to the core values of nursing – integrity, compassion, advocacy, and respect for human dignity. Remember that nursing is not merely a profession. It is a calling to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Whether you find yourselves in hospitals, clinics, community health centers, or any other healthcare setting, always strive to be advocates for your patients, champions for their rights, and voices for those who are marginalized and vulnerable,” Dr. Whitmore said.
Nursing Instructor Dr. Ashley Smith recognized the class officers, including Bradford, Vice President Sarah Morgan of Stevenson, Secretary Riki Paul of Hokes Bluff, and Treasurer Heather Henson of Guntersville.
During the Pinning Ceremony, two student nurses were recognized for their individual achievements. Melodi Cone of Gallant received the Award for Clinical Excellence. Akira Hutchins of Stevenson received the Award for Academic Excellence.
The RN Class of 2024 includes 46 students, but two were unable to attend the Pinning Ceremony. The Snead State RN Class of 2024 include:
Albertville
• Ayala Griselda
• Ryan Bradford
• Amy Smith
• Cari Talton
Altoona
• Macie Smallwood
Anniston
• Donna Brockel
Arab
• Jacquelyn Black
• Gunter Isom
Attalla
• Dylan Bailey
• Elizabeth Buchanan
• Seth Lowry
• Amanda Nichols
• Kerigan Rice
Birmingham
• Samantha Goldfon
Blountsville
• Tori Clowdus
Boaz
• Emily Jones
• Maddie Waldrep
Centre
• Amber Hinton
Crossville
• Cheyanne Cuzzort
• Toran Macey McDaniel
• Dixie McDill
Cullman
• Lucy Benefield
• Emillie Gleaton
Fyffe
• Danielle Galloway
Gadsden
• Tanner Adams
• Charles Cooksey
• Reagan Galbreath
• Falon R. Graves
Gallant
• Melodi Cone
Guntersville
• Lauralee Conaway
• Madolyn Copeland
• Amber Gregory
• Heather Henson
• Lindsey Vandergriff
Hokes Bluff
• Tabitha Dodd
• Riki Paul
• Rebecca Payton
Horton
• Crystal Hulse
• Jennifer Martinez
Ider
• Savannah Frost
Piedmont
• Alexis Adkison
• Nevaeh Sims
Southside
• Brianna Goffe
Stevenson
• Akira Hutchins
• Sarah Morgan
Weaver
• Blake Owens