On Thursday, July 31, 2025, Southern Regional Technical College (SRTC) held a pinning ceremony honoring the most recent class of Practical Nursing (PN) students representing the SRTC-Tifton and SRTC-Thomasville cohorts. The ceremony commemorates the students’ successful completion of their nursing coursework and clinical rotations. These graduates participated in the commencement ceremony at SRTC-Bainbridge on July 29, 2025.
The Practical Nursing graduates include:
Tamara Barrett, Derikia Bryant, Jessica Carithers, Aaliyah Crutchfield, Maya Deshazer, Amber Drew, Iesha Duhart, Britney Fleming, Cory Frazier, Bryan Guerra, Charaya Harp, Destinee Hart, Alexis Hudson, Tommeria Huntley, Angel Lampkin, Natalya Luna, Jordan Mai, Ches Mangham, Myeshia Marshall, Ka’Nijah Martin, Callan McConnell, Fatima Muhammad, Ari’Onna Myrick, Carlie Nolen, Destiney Nowland, Tammy Odom, Lizbeth Perez, Chelsey Robinson, Emma Roland, LaSage Simmons, Kimberly Tribulak, Alana Turbeville, Jacquie West, Jasmine Williams, and Natavia Woods.
"This graduating class of Practical Nursing students stands as a testament to resilience, determination, and the unbreakable spirit of those who choose to care for others. Through every challenge, every sleepless night, and every moment of doubt, they have risen—proving that compassion, hard work, and heart can overcome any obstacle. Today, they don’t just graduate; they step forward as the healers, advocates, and difference-makers our world so desperately needs." Said Amy Braswell, SRTC-Thomasville 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 as a predictor of success for passing the NCLEX-PN, the licensure exam through the Georgia Board of Nursing. The 2025 Highest ATI Exit Exam Award for the SRTC-Tifton Cohort, 86.5%, was presented to Bryan Guerra. The 2025 Highest ATI Exit Exam Award for the SRTC-Thomasville cohort, 82.7%, was presented to Callan McConnell, Amber Drew, and Destiny Nowland.
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 Charaya Harp of the Tifton cohort and Derikia Bryant of the Thomasville cohort.
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 LaSage Simmons of the Tifton cohort and Natavia Woods of the Thomasville Cohort.
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 38 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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