On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, Southern Regional Technical College (SRTC) held a pinning ceremony honoring the most recent class of Practical Nursing (PN) students representing the SRTC-Moultrie cohort. The ceremony commemorates the students’ successful completion of their nursing coursework and clinical rotations. These graduates are also eligible to participate in the commencement ceremony at SRTC-Bainbridge on July 29, 2025.
Graduates representing the Moultrie cohort include Ashley Alden, Princess Bailey, Laney Baird, Hannah Blackburn, Tasha Bowden, Demetria Carter, Ximena Cercedo, John (Will) Edwards, Deja Frias, Lelania Gillis, Jennifer Hernandez, Mary (Tiana) Strickland, Kendall Meeks, Florelyn Meyer, Joceline Resendiz-Rubio, Victoria Stanaland, Undreana Yates, and Leah Yearby.
"This group has demonstrated exceptional skills and genuine compassion in patient care. These graduates are well-prepared to serve as licensed practical nurses and will provide outstanding care throughout our community and beyond. I am proud to have guided them through the final phase of their education and have complete confidence in their abilities to make a meaningful difference in healthcare and positively impact the lives of their patients" said Casey Clark-Arenas, SRTC Practical Nursing Instructor.
The pinning ceremony is a rite of passage into the nursing profession, during which each student received a pin and a small lamp. The pin is used to remind students of their purpose to serve the sick and infirmed. The lamp portion of the ceremony serves as a tribute to Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern-day nursing. In the 1800s Nightingale was known as the ‘lady with the lamp’ tending to the sick while carrying a lamp to light the way.
Several students received additional recognition for their outstanding efforts.
The Southern Regional Technical College Practical Nursing Highest ATI Exam Award is given to the student who has the highest score on the exit exam. This exam serves a predictor of success for passing the NCLEX-PN, the licensure exam through the Georgia Board of Nursing. The 2024 Highest ATI Exit Exam Award, 87.3%, was presented to Lelania Gillis.
The Leadership Award recognizes the student from each cohort who presents outstanding leadership qualities not only in the classroom but also in the clinical setting. This year’s Leadership Award was presented to Will Edwards.
The Clinical Excellence Award honors the student who has shown exceptional professionalism and technical excellence during their clinical rotations. The Clinical Excellence Award was presented to Will Edwards.
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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