In a remarkable achievement, three Colquitt County High School seniors - Laney Baird, Kendall Meeks, and Leah Yearby - have successfully completed Southern Regional Technical College's (SRTC) Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program while still in high school. This accomplishment marks a significant milestone in the innovative partnership between Colquitt Regional Medical Center, Colquitt County School District, and Southern Regional Technical College.
The three students were honored during a pinning ceremony held on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at SRTC-Moultrie. The ceremony, a traditional rite of passage into the nursing profession, commemorated their successful completion of nursing coursework and clinical rotations. Each student received a pin and a small lamp, symbolizing their commitment to serve the sick and infirmed, while the lamp portion paid tribute to Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern-day nursing.
"Leah, Laney, and Kendall have demonstrated exceptional skills and genuine compassion,” said Casey Clark-Arenas, SRTC Practical Nursing Instructor. "These young graduates have shown remarkable maturity and dedication beyond their years, and they are well-prepared to serve as licensed practical nurses. They will provide outstanding care throughout our community and beyond, representing the bright future of healthcare in our region."
The three high school students were part of the inaugural class of the dual enrollment practical nursing program, a unique partnership established in response to the nursing shortages highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The program offers a pathway for selected Colquitt County High School students to graduate with both their high school diploma and a practical nursing diploma from Southern Regional Technical College.
The students were selected as candidates during their sophomore year, completed rigorous coursework in their junior year at CCHS, and during their senior year, completed comprehensive nursing coursework at Southern Regional and clinical rotations at Colquitt Regional. All three are now eligible to take the professional licensing boards exam through the Georgia Board of Nursing to become Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs).
"This program embodies our commitment to providing innovative educational pathways that bridge the gap between secondary education and a fulfilling career in healthcare," said Southern Regional Technical College President Jim Glass. "These three graduates have set a remarkable precedent as our inaugural cohort, proving that with dedication and support, high school students can successfully complete rigorous healthcare training. They have already made us proud and will soon make significant contributions to our community's health and well-being as licensed practical nurses."
The dual enrollment program addresses critical healthcare workforce needs while offering students an accelerated path to a career in nursing. Upon passing their licensing exams, the students will be prepared to enter the workforce as LPNs or continue their education in the nursing field.
The Practical Nursing program is a three-semester certificate program designed to prepare students to write the NCLEX-PN for licensure as practical nurses. The program prepares graduates to give competent nursing care. This is done through a selected number of academic and occupational courses providing a variety of techniques and materials necessary to assist the student in acquiring the needed knowledge and skills to give competent care. A variety of clinical experiences is planned so that theory and practice are integrated under the guidance of the clinical instructor. For more information about SRTC’s Practical Nursing Program call 888-205-3449.
Southern Regional Technical College offers over 150 degree, diploma, and certificate programs that are designed to get students quickly into their desired careers, and 28 general education courses that transfer to the University System of Georgia institutions and 19 private colleges and universities in Georgia. SRTC has instructional sites located in eleven counties across Southwest Georgia for the convenience of its students. The College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). SACSCOC is the regional body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in the Southern states. For the most up-to-date information on registration, class dates, and program offerings, interested individuals can log on to www.southernregional.edu or call (888) 205-3449.
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