Wallace State Community College’s Department of Nursing Education celebrated the accomplishments of more than 100 students Thursday, Aug. 1, at its second pinning ceremony for 2024 graduation season. More than 75 were pinned at a ceremony held in May.

“We are so proud of you,” said Wallace State President Dr. Vicki Karolewics. “I have heard such good things about this class during the time that you have been here, how driven you are, how wonderful you are to each other, how terrific you are clinically, how smart you are, how capable you are. We wish you the very best in your career journey.”

In addressing the graduating students, Program Chair Deborah “Pepper” Hoover highlighted the importance of nurses practicing integrity.

“Graduates, I challenge you to strive each day to demonstrate integrity in your life even when things seem unfair, and the work is challenging,” Hoover said. “You have come so far by passing the written exams and clinical check-offs. However, your true grit will be demonstrated in the hard times. I know that you will remember our discussions, and always perform with compassion and to the best of your ability for your patients.”

“It is a true honor to be here today representing my cohort,” said class president Jaila Crowe Hyatt of Eva. “A class that includes respiratory therapists, dieticians, paramedics, occupational therapy assistants, medical lab technicians, diagnostic sonographers and now 104 nurses. We all enter this program with fear and excitement and dream to become a nurse, and today that day has come.”

This graduating class included six completing the UAB/WSCC Joint Enrollment program, earning both an associate degree from Wallace State and a bachelor’s degree from UAB, 29 mobility students earning an associate degree in nursing, one student earning a degree through the UAB Medicine Nursing Workforce Initiative, and six students earning an associate degree through the apprenticeship program.

During the ceremony, several students were recognized as nominees and recipients of the Nightingale Award. Faculty nominate students in recognition of their excellence in scholarship and dedication to compassion and exemplary patient care.

Students receiving a Nightingale Award were Patty Southerland of Hartselle, John “Cody” Dunagun of Jasper, and Tonya Dean of Rainbow City.

Southerland is a mobility student and has worked in the healthcare field as a respiratory therapist. She became known as the “mother” of the Nursing 209 class, bringing snacks and providing emotional support for her classmates and faculty.

One of the nominating faculty members wrote, “I have witnessed this student sacrifice time and resources to help others no matter what was in front of them academically or personally. They always had an encouraging word for classmates as well as the faculty. This graduate is a selfless, caring, genuine person. I can only imagine what they are like at the bedside.”

Dunagan is a member of the UAB/WSCC Joint Enrollment cohort, earning both an associate degree from WSCC and a bachelor’s degree from UAB.

One of his nominating faculty members wrote, This student consistently demonstrates kindness and a calm demeanor, regardless of the circumstances. These qualities match those celebrated by the Nightingale Award, given to nurses who show compassion, leadership, and dedication to patient care. I believe their compassionate nature and steady presence will make them a valuable addition to any nursing team.”

Dean is a traditional nursing student, who also worked as a respiratory therapist before pursuing a nursing degree at Wallace State.

“It has been my pleasure to teach this student during their nursing school journey,” her nominating instructor wrote. “Having had them in both the classroom and the critical care clinical setting, I can say that they excel in both didactic and clinical practice, showing a strong grasp of nursing theory and its application.”

Other nominees for the Nightingale Award were Jasmine Craig, Cidney Woodson Hicks, Cyrenthia Linton, all of Birmingham, Teresa “LaShay” Hulgan of Cullman, Matthew “Luke” Sapp of Danville, Jalia Crowe Hyatt of Eva, Aayush Patel of Elkmont, Erin Hudson of Hanceville, Hail Hollingsworth of Hartselle, Gracie Box of Mount Olive, Kirstie Young of Somerville and Felicia Terry of Trinity.