Lake Land College recognized its Summer 2026 Practical Nursing graduates during a pinning ceremony celebrating the next generation of nurses entering the profession.
Among the local graduates, Taylor Pierce and Candence Sandiford, both of Shelbyville, received their nursing pins during the ceremony.
Brooklyn Roe of Sullivan was also recognized, earning one of the program's Practical Nursing Peer Awards. The award honors students who demonstrate professionalism while going above and beyond to help classmates in both the classroom and clinical settings. Roe shared the honor with Colton Moore of Mattoon.
Several additional awards were presented during the ceremony. Kaden Koeberlein of Effingham received the Clinical Excellence Award, while James Watkins of Edgewood and Samantha Thompson of Mattoon were honored with the Student Liaison Award for serving as positive representatives of the nursing program. The Marilyn Fuqua Thompson Nursing Award, presented to the graduate considered the program's top all-around student, was awarded to Jasmine Gast of Charleston.
The Summer 2026 Practical Nursing class also included graduates from Stewardson, Teutopolis, Mattoon, Paris, Beecher City, Martinsville, Highland, Casey, Effingham, Charleston, Neoga, Gays, Watson, Ramsey and Edgewood.
The Practical Nursing pinning ceremony marks the completion of the program and recognizes graduates as they prepare to begin careers providing patient care in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities and other healthcare settings.
Pictured below is Lake LAnd College Nursing Instructor Nichole Jones with Jasmine Gast of Charleston during the Lake Land College 2026 Practical Nursing Pinning Ceremony.
More details about Lake Land College can be found at www.lakelandcollege.edu.
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