Angelina College Nursing Grads Hold ‘Pinning’ Ceremony in Lufkin

Congratulations are in order for a group of students who took a major step towards a career in nursing.

According to a press release from Angelina College, the institution's Vocational Nursing program on Wednesday held its pinning ceremony for the 2021 graduates, with the keynote speaker reminding the new nurses that “Nursing evolves daily, so you must be ready to change with it.”

Dr. Sandra Brannan, AC’s Director of Nursing, recounted her years of experience while encouraging the grads to enjoy every opportunity.

“As you pursue nursing to its fullest, you want to stay open to opportunities, you want to grow and you want to ask questions,” Brannan said. “Whether you continue your education formally or informally, you will learn something new every single day. Every day in nursing is a brand-new world.”

Graduates walked the stage of Temple Theater and received their respective pins from loved ones, friends or instructors. Following the individual pinnings, the new nurses participated collectively in the traditional candle lighting, symbolic of Florence Nightingale’s gesture to “show the world what her caring heart and hands can do.” The graduates then recited together the Nightingale Pledge.

Nursing graduates from the Lufkin class include

• Ruby Alonso Acevedo
• Hillary Bookman
• Kelsi Castleberry
• Lamyia Chatman
• DeAveon Farris
• Delontae James
• Karina Madrigal
• Erica McWhorter
• Marlena Phillips
• Courtney Polley
• Cherrelle Richards
• Jerline Roberts
• L’Dona Shepherd
• Lani Trim
• Amanda Weeks
• David Wolf

Nursing graduates from the Hudson/Livingston class include

• Edna Chebochok
• Lillie Dubreuil
• Kristen Lofton

Instructors for the course are Dr. Charlet Blades (Lead instructor), Dr. Susan Adams (Hudson instructor), Melissa Abbott (Livingston instructor), Mary Hastings (Lufkin instructor) and Jacquelyn McClain (Lufkin instructor).