McCann Pinning Ceremony Launches 15 on Nursing Career
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — It was very much a passing of the torch — or really the lamp — on Wednesday as most of the newly graduated licensed practical nurses were pinned by colleagues and friends, parents and siblings.
"The pin signifies the end of all your formal studies and the beginning of your nursing career," main speaker Lorraine Mancuso told the graduates at McCann Technical School. "There are technical skills to master and work environments to adapt to, but the most important application of your skill set will not be the expertise with which you apply them but with the sensitivity and the compassion you show patients under your care."
Mancuso, a registered nurse and education specialist at Berkshire Health Systems who also held several nursing management positions at the former North Adams Regional Hospital, said nursing has been a rewarding career over her 40 years.
"Nurses are ranked year after year as one of the most trusted professions," she said, and seen as the most honest and ethical because of their compassion and advocacy for their patients, who are at their most vulnerable. "Your ability to connect with your patients and their families is crucial."
The practical nursing program's Coordinator Susan Watson said they could look forward to a "wonderful future in health care" with opportunities across a number of fields and institutions.
"There is a constant need for trained nurses," she said. "These fine men and women have bright futures before them and will be successful because of their education, hard work, and dedication."
Watson said she had watched them grow during their year at McCann and was confident they were ready for their professional health-care journey.
"All of you have a special place in my heart," she said, and also called out their families for the "love and encouragement" that had helped them succeed.
Principal Justin Kratz called the graduates to be pinned; Superintendent James Brosnan and School Committee Chairman Thomas R. Mahar presented the diplomas and certificates. Bob Davis, who retired at the end of the year, came back to provide the music.
"You persevered because you worked as a team, because you worked together, you got along well and you carried each other when you needed to be carried and you helped one another out," said Brosnan. "We can appreciate what you went through and we congratulate you."
Graduates Jacqueline Connor and Lynn Pinsonneault led the graduates in the nurse's pledge, before the ceremonial lighting of the lamps, indicating their foremother, Florence Nightingale.
The Fay Ellen Fosser Memorial Scholarship, in memory of the Clarksburg native and McCann graduate, was presented to Mandy Newton and Jacqueline Connor. The Highest Academic Achievement Award went to Monique Misiuk and Lynn Pinsonneault while four students were presented the Clinical Excellence Award: Misiuk, Newton, Kimberly Scott, and Connor. Perfect Attendance went to James Koomson and Anita Ofori.
The ceremonies in the McCann gymnasium ended with bouquets, applause and bows as the graduates greeted their families.
"You have entered into a really noble profession, one in which you can relly make a difference," Mancuso had told them. "Whatever path you choose know that this is a rewarding profession and one in which each and everyone of you can make a difference."
The graduates are:
Adams: Monique Misiuk
Cheshire: Alexandria Rousseau and Natasha Wicks
Clarksburg: Arica Ouimet
Dalton: Mandy Newton
Florida: Erynn Durant
Hancock: Wendy Kipp
North Adams: Jenna Peck, Kimberly Scott and Darla Senecal
Pittsfield: Jacqueline Connor, James Koomson, Anita Ofori and Andrew Rapkowicz
Savoy: Lynn Pinsonneault
Tags: graduation 2016, LPN, McCann,
