On Tuesday, July 28, 2026, 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 were also eligible to participate in the commencement ceremony at SRTC-Bainbridge on July 29, 2026.
Graduates representing the Tifton cohort include Walker Altman, Maurisha Baisden, Katlyn Bateman, Naomi Gomez, Ruby Hernandez, Shandalria McTear, Amy Miller, Jealousy Peterson, and Shanyia Smith.
Graduates representing the Thomasville cohort include Kendra Arnold, Trey’unna Baker, Lauren Boatwright, Devin (Tyler) Burkett, Princess Carter, Tiffany Curry, Patrice Daniels, Naquita Evans, Ashanti Hines, Ivyon Jackson, Nailah Mitchell, Macey Morris, Khadeedra Newby-Sparrow, Derica Pope, Pamela Randell, Phillip Redfearn, Calandra Robinson, Braizee Rogers, Yolanda Shaw, and Nylah Walker.
"I am incredibly proud to see this cohort achieve their goal of becoming practical nurses. Each graduate has something meaningful to offer the nursing profession," said Alisha Nugent, SRTC-Tifton Practical Nursing Instructor. "I look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have on the lives of their patients and the communities they serve."
"They entered this program with a dream. They leave with the knowledge, strength, and compassion to make a difference," said Amy Braswell, SRTC-Thomasville Practical Nursing Instructor. "Congratulations to the SRTC PN Graduates of 2026. Keep growing."
The pinning ceremony is a rite of passage into the nursing profession, during which each student receives 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 Leadership Award is given to a student identified by Practical Nursing faculty as demonstrating outstanding leadership qualities in both the classroom and clinical setting, including strong classroom performance, professionalism, organization, teamwork, peer support, thorough documentation, and a willingness to go the extra mile. Maurisha Baisden received the award for the Tifton cohort, and Naquita Evans received the award for the Thomasville cohort.
The Clinical Excellence Award is voted on by a student's peers and recognizes outstanding clinical performance, clinical competence, patient advocacy, teamwork, and peer mentorship. Jealousy Peterson received the award for the Tifton cohort, and Calandra Robinson received the award for the Thomasville cohort.
The Highest ATI Comprehensive Predictor Award is given to the student who earns the highest score on the ATI Comprehensive Predictor exam, recognizing strong overall nursing knowledge, clinical judgment, and readiness for NCLEX success. Katlyn Bateman and Shanyia Smith received the award for the Tifton cohort, and Braizee Rogers received the award for 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 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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