McCann Postsecondary Nursing Pins 24
Carol Passley, senior director of nursing-acute care at Berkshire Medical Center, reminded the gradates to embrace change.
"We see others step out of their comfort zone and become leaders, others impress us with their patient advocacy and clinical knowledge," practical nursing coordinator Chista Berthiaume said at the ceremony that was held in the school's gymnasium. "I am asking you to use these strengths to improve patient care and professional nursing. be the change that we need in today's local health care. You are gong to care for thousands of people over your careers."
After handing out special awards and recognitions, Berthiaume reminded her students that she told them that nursing school would be incredibly difficult — something they now understand. She added that the job itself will continue to be difficult and nurses need not forget to care for themselves.
She concluded that nurses do not seek "fame or glory" but enter the field to improve people's lives.
"People who are drawn to nursing don't look for fame or glory. It is not uncommon for people to say, 'I don't know how you do it,'" she said. "... Nurses are trusted by patients and their families and the most vulnerable. We see people at their weakest, scared, and most uncomfortable. We share sadness and joy and do whatever we can for our parents."
Carol Passley, senior director of nursing-acute care at Berkshire Medical Center gave the graduation address, first noting what is special about health care in Berkshire County.
"What I like about that Berkshires is that everyone is family, and you will see your family," she said. "You are going to be their resource."
She talked of her own education becoming a nurse and of her career. She spoke of the many positions she has held as well as the many changes she has seen in the field over the years.
Passley asked the students to embrace these changes as they often allow nurses to make "positive impacts on the lives of others." She also asked the graduates to continue to set goals and chase down opportunities to grow.
Superintendent James Brosnan also spoke and recognized the students as well as the support their family and friends provided.
"Here are 24 people who really never knew each other until this, but they will keep these relationships for the rest of their lives," he said. "They share a common bond and through the guidance of the faculty they were able to succeed and be here. This is a monumental achievement and no one other than these 24 people know how hard that was except for their family and friends."
Scholarships and Awards
Rachel Canto Botto Rhodes RN Memorial Scholarship
Suzanne Jane Eline $200
Caroline Marquis Gillette $200
London Jian Green $200
Betty Wangui Munene $200
Mary Eve Paige $200
Ashley Megan Shippa $200
Tracy Lynn Williams $200
Fay Ellen Fosser Memorial Scholarship
London Jian Green $800
Betty Wangui Munene $400
Mary Eve Paige $400
Highest Academic Achievement Award
London Jian Green
Future Nurse Leader Award
Jennifer McCue Ciempa
Rising Star Award
Hailey Genzabella
Emma Moser
Clinical Excellence Award
Brittany Bourassa
Class Representatives for the Advisory Committee
London Jian Green
Mary Paige
Class Representatives for the Faculty Committee
Suzanne Eline
Keri Serra
McCann 2023 Postsecondary Practical Nursing Graduates
Adams
Talya Janelle Kyse
Emma Claire Moser
Lauren Mary Tremlett
Dalton
Ashley Eileen Thomas
Lanesborough
Caroline Marquis Gillette
Jasmen Lashawn Pea
North Adams
Teyah Sierra Foley
London Jian Green *
Justine Marie Manns
Jennifer Lynn McCue-Ciempa
Betty Wangui Munene
Acindra Lyn Rondeau
Northfield
Ashley Megan Shippa
Pittsfield
Casey Leigh Bouchard
Brittany L. Bourassa
Suzanne Jane Eline
Hailey Elizabeth Genzabella
Rowe
Mary Eve Paige
Sheffield
Tori Ann Seward
Williamstown
Alexandra Marie Tower
Stamford, Vt.
Keri Leigh Serra
Arlington, Vt.
Katlyn Christina Welling
Hoosick Falls, N.Y.
Nicole L. Pelletier +
Tracy Lynn Williams
*Denotes first in class
+Denotes second in class
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