NMCC celebrates practical nursing graduates at annual pinning ceremony
NMCC Practical Nursing graduates at their pinning ceremony. Front row, from left: Gabriella Ayotte, Abigail Bard, Alexis Michaud, Brooklyn Brewer, Emma Crouse, Paula Chasse, Sophie Tibbetts, Megan Fongemie, Jillian Bell and Danielle Jean. Back row: Katherine Palmer, Olivia Moody, Danielle Stranieri, Taylor Fitzpatrick, Sierra McAvoy and Brigitte Rioux.
Northern Maine Community College recently celebrated 19 graduates of its Practical Nursing program during a pinning ceremony recognizing the Class of 2026.
The ceremony marked the completion of the graduates’ practical nursing education and recognized their preparation to enter the nursing profession.
Andrew Gagnon, Nursing Department chair, welcomed graduates and their families and friends. NMCC President Doug Binsfeld and Angela R. Buck, vice president and dean of academic and student affairs, delivered opening remarks.
“These graduates have shown tremendous commitment throughout the Practical Nursing program, and this ceremony is an important recognition of everything they have accomplished,” Gagnon said. “They are entering a profession where their knowledge, skills and compassion are greatly needed, particularly in rural communities like ours.”
Jemelie McCorison, practical nursing faculty member, served as guest speaker. Brooklyn Brewer of Houlton and Olivia Moody of Presque Isle represented the Class of 2026 as student speakers.
Allison Folsom, Practical Nursing coordinator, presented the graduates with their nursing pins. Following the presentation, members of the class recited the Practical Nurse Pledge.
Graduates were Gabriella Ayotte, Abigail Bard, Jillian Bell, Brooklyn Brewer, Paula Chasse, Paige Collins, Emma Crouse, Dany Ekofo, Taylor Fitzpatrick, Megan Fongemie, Danielle Jean, Sierra McAvoy, Alexis Michaud, Olivia Moody, Katherine Palmer, Brigitte Rioux, Cierra Seeley, Danielle Stranieri and Sophie Tibbetts.
The ceremony also included a slideshow highlighting the Class of 2026 and their experiences at NMCC.
The traditional pinning ceremony recognized the graduates’ completion of the Practical Nursing program and their transition from nursing students to members of the nursing profession.