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    48 future RNs, 11 nursing bachelor’s degree earners feted during joyous Yavapai College pinning ceremony

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    48 future RNs, 11 nursing bachelor’s degree earners feted during joyous Yavapai College pinning ceremony

    Verde Valley News – The ranks of the world’s healthcare heroes grew by 59 new Yavapai College-trained future registered nurses and nurse leaders this spring, many of whom celebrated the milestone with their loved ones at a traditional pinning ceremony May 1.

    The 48 associate of science and 11 bachelor’s degree earners who studied at the Prescott and Verde Valley campuses are the latest to emerge from YC’s acclaimed nursing program ready to serve their communities and/or continue their education.

    An overflow crowd was on hand for the joyous pinning ceremony in the Jim and Linda Lee Performing Arts Center on the Prescott campus. An event highlight is each nursing graduate taking the stage to receive the pin they earned from someone special or from multiple members of their family.

    Keynote speaker YC Associate Professor and Oncology Nurse Practitioner Cathy Kefer told the graduates the pin they earned is the “embodiment of your long nights, your early mornings, your tears, the doubt, the breakthroughs and the triumphs” of nursing school. “You didn’t give up. You kept going and today you wear that preservation like a badge of honor.”

    Kefer gave the graduates a glimpse of their future in the field saying, “you’ll touch lives in ways you’ll never fully understand. You will be the steady presence in someone’s worst moment. You will be the comfort, the confidante,  the calm. And you will be changed as well, because every patient you meet will leave an imprint on your soul.”

    In her remarks during the ceremony, YC President Dr. Lisa Rhine also acknowledged the hard work and sacrifices necessary to succeed in nursing school. “You’ve poured your energy, your intellect and your hearts into this journey. And today, we recognize you not only for what you’ve achieved, but for who you are becoming: compassionate, skilled, unshakeable professionals.”

    Following are the 2025 spring class of 2025 Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree earners:

    Cassandra Bailey, Rhyann Davies, Kevin Eastman, Alexa Furrer, Rachele Huard, Megan Palmer,
    Courtney Rezzonico, Anthony Tinghitella, Estefany Torres, Jessica Torres and Rosa Valenzuela.

    Following are the 2025 spring class of 2025 Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree earners:

    Elvira Acosta, Francisca Acosta, John Anderson, Allison Anza, Allyson Bartling, Tiffany Black, Melissa Breazeale, Sara Brock, Ashlynn Busich, Kelsey Carr, Christopher Carrizosa, Destiny Chamberlain, Lillian Clever, Nathan Cox, Shane Danielson, Victoria Eschborn, Jennifer Faucher, Margaret Gower, Lynette Heaton, Jessica Huante, Trena Hudson, Travis Johnson, Ariadna Marquez, Shelby Mayo, Zachary McKeown, Meghan Melton, Kennedy Nasch, Jaycie Nelson, Adreanna O’Connor, Lindsay Paloutzian, Abigail Polacek, Jennifer Prieto, Ashley Rios, Yovanna Robles, Melanie Rojas, Ryliegh Romney, Rebekah Sanchez, Danielle Seitters, Zachary Shumway, Vrindavan Silva, Dakota Terrazas, Meaghan Thompson, Brienna Van Landingham, Peyton Velasco, Peter Vlahakis, James Vogel, Bridget Welker and Emily Woolley.
    Information about the Yavapai College Nursing Program is available by visiting //yc.edu/nursing.  For information about the bachelor’s degree in nursing program, visit //yc.edu/bsn.
    Yavapai College operates seven campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, three baccalaureate degrees (with one more pending accreditation approval), student and community services, and cultural events and activities. To learn more about YC, visit www.yc.edu

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    1. JB on

      One of the most noble professions there is. Congratulations and stick with it. Specialize whenever possible. The country needs medical professionals more than ever!