PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) held a traditional pinning ceremony for 40 graduates of the Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program on Thursday, Jan. 16 at the Robert Boland Theatre on the main campus.  

 

The wearing of the school pin symbolizes the right to serve others, signifying the acceptance of the responsibilities of the practice of nursing and the educational preparation of the wearer. The ceremony is a nursing school tradition dating to the turn of the twentieth century. The gold center of the pin features the college seal, including the words "To travel hopefully."   

 

Five graduates received awards:  

 

Marcia Bailey received the Academic Excellence in Nursing Award, which is presented to the student who has the highest GPA within the ADN program and is given in acknowledgment of academic excellence in nursing. This award recognizes the student’s hard work and determination demonstrated in the pursuit of nursing knowledge.  

 

MacKenzie Muzzulin received the Clinical Excellence in Nursing Award, which is presented to a student who performs exemplary delivery of nursing skills in the clinical setting. This award recognizes the role of advocacy in nursing by promoting compassionate and holistic patient-centered care.  

 

Cortney Provenzano received the Professionalism in Nursing Award, which is presented to a student who is committed to high quality patient care, and who also serves as a role model for teamwork and collaboration. The award recognizes the importance of communication and critical thinking while promoting the positive image of nursing. 

 

Danna Toledo received the Berkshire Healthcare Systems Spirit of Caring Award, which is given to a graduating Associate Degree in Nursing student who best exemplifies the spirit of compassion. The recipient of this award is committed to clinical and service excellence, optimizes each patient interaction to its full potential, and shows caring and concern for patients and their families.  

 

Nodia Wright received the Bette B. Everson Memorial Nursing Award, which is given to the graduating Associate Degree in Nursing student who best exemplifies the personal characteristics of commitment, perseverance and professional growth. 

 

The ceremony honored the following Class of 2024 graduates: 

 

Connecticut 

 

Bloomfield: Symanther Grey 

 

Canaan: Marcos Irausquin 

 

Granby: Alysha Yard 

 

Norfolk: MacKenzie Muzzulin 

 

Suffield: Kristin Graeff 

 

 

Massachusetts 

 

Adams: Corrisa Regan 

 

Cheshire: Colleen McKearney 

 

Chicopee: Edwin Juma 

 

Clarksburg: Marcia Bailey, Aurie Delano, Carissa Hartman 

 

Dalton: Katie Higgins 

 

Great Barrington: Elizabeth Pevzner  

 

Hancock: Emily Condry  

 

Lanesboro: Tonya Burns, Jordan Rosier 

 

Lee: Alexandra Barnes, Alyssa Barnes, Michele Belliveau, Jennifer Donovan, Christina Tighe 

 

Lowell: Elizabeth Nazaire 

 

Pittsfield: Jaklyn Barbarotta, Bernice Cobbinah, Jocelyn Cote, Emily Greb, Rain Hajjar, Raisa Kachevsky, Elizabeth Kwaw, Madison Lamoureaux, Norah Moindi, Jennifer Phelps, Cortney Provenzano, Danna Toledo 

 

Shrewsbury: Stefan Stidsen 

 

Springfield: Auris Encarnacion, Frank Rogers, Nodia Wright 

 

West Springfield: Yuko Tasato 

 

Westfield: Leighan Toomey