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Practical Nursing Students Graduate From Blue Hills Regional
Keynote speaker tells grads that "For the Class of 2019, the sky knows no limit."
By Judy Bass
The Adult Postgraduate Practical Nursing Program at Blue Hills Regional Technical School in Canton held its annual Commencement Exercises on June 26, 2019.
The ceremony was held at Norwood High School for the second consecutive year because of a major renovation project that is ongoing at Blue Hills Regional. The school extends sincere thanks to the administration of Norwood High School for allowing the use of its auditorium.
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The program marked a significant milestone - its 30th anniversary - during the evening as well. Several former teachers were invited back as guests including Ms. Michelle McMahon. Ms. Maureen McCann, Ms. Donna Flaherty and Ms. Caroline Pasquantonio.
The Class of 2019 included these individuals:
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Caroline Adams (Bridgewater), Temitope Adeyemi (Norwood), Lucy Angila (Attleboro), Jillian Ayer (Quincy), Lindsay Burke (Hyde Park), Erin Card (North Attleboro), Alexandra Cellucci (Quincy), Erin Dalton (Bridgewater), Netsy Delva (Hyde Park), Jessica Fortes (Brockton), Rajdel Francois (Hyde Park), Barbara Gaston (Brockton), Sharon Gately (Weymouth), Joeimy Gonzalez (Quincy), Brandon Inglis (Plymouth), Neville Johnson (Stoughton), Elisha Jones (Brockton), Jane Kamau (Holbrook), Gwendolyn Kimble (Somerville), Lauren MacDougall (Weymouth), Elizabeth McCourt (Pembroke), Janice Moreira (Brockton), Herman Mpijja (Woburn), Susan Nganga (Bridgewater), Jennifer Nguyen (Randolph), Fidelia Obiora (Randolph), Joseph Omwata (Brockton), Aleah Ortiz (Taunton), Melissa Paul (Brockton), Jessica Penafiel (Hyannis), Lindsay Pickard (Middleboro), Durania Pujols (Hyde Park), Estefany Pujols (South Boston); Ariel Riley (Dorchester), Colleen Sprague (East Falmouth), Kevin Williams (Randolph), Amalia Young (Dorchester).
Ms. Annmarie Furtado, MSN, RN, chairperson of the Practical Nursing program, was master of ceremonies.
Mr. Matthew P. O’Malley, the Blue Hills Regional District School Committee member from Milton, addressed the audience and the graduates, lauding their “persistence and ability.” He remarked, “You are an example to society as a whole.”
The keynote speaker was Ms. Anne Hunsicker, MSN, RN. Her current position is at Atrius Health where she is a part of their Extended Care Program and provides care to patients at the Ellis Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Norwood.
She told the graduates that physical and emotional stamina are needed for a career in healthcare, as well as empathy, which takes “time, practice and fine-tuning” to cultivate.
“You’re ready to put your knowledge into practice and start your careers,” she added. “For the Class of 2019, the sky knows no limit.”
The presentation of certificates was done by Ms. Nancy Finnell, M.Ed., BSN, RN, Ms. Furtado, and Director of Admissions and Financial Aid Marybeth Joyce.
The presentation of pins was handled by Ms. Catherine Mohan, BSN, RN, Ms. Betty Diane Lyons, MSN, RN, Ms. Patricia Greene, BSN, RN, and Ms. Ruth Murphy, M.Ed., BSN, RN.
The presentation of awards was done by Ms. Mohan and Ms. Lyons.
Roses were given to each graduate by Secretary / Career Placement Specialist Amanda Durand.
The class representatives were Ms. Netsy Delva and Ms. Lindsay Pickard.
The class marshals were Ms. Bonnie Musto, LPN, Class of 2018, Ms. Betty Tangney, M.Ed., MSN, RN, and Ms. Saba Wiggins, BSN, RN.
Awards were given to these individuals:
The James P. Quaglia General Excellence Award was presented to Amalia Young for best exemplifying those characteristics sought in the practical nurse, notably clinical excellence, scholarship and a deep commitment to nursing.
The Faculty Award was presented to Erin Card for outstanding commitment, motivation and positive attitude in the role of practical nurse in both the academic and clinical areas.
The Achievement Award was presented to Durania Pujols and Lindsay Burke for their determination to succeed and exceptional growth in the role of the student practical nurse.
The Maureen McCann Nightingale Award was presented to Jennifer Nguyen for demonstrating a high level of motivation and perseverance as a student practical nurse. Recognized and honored for an uncommon determination to succeed and the ability to uphold professional standards thereby demonstrating a deep commitment to nursing.
The Inspiration Award was presented to Elizabeth McCourt for always demonstrating a positive attitude through her kindness and comradery with her classmates, as well as her genuine devotion to the Practical Nursing Program.
The Clinical Excellence Award was presented to Gwendolyn Kimble and Jillian Ayer for best exemplifying those characteristics sought in the practical nurse, notably clinical excellence and a deep commitment to nursing.
The Festus Joyce Vocational Award was presented to Kevin Williams for demonstrating the qualities of honesty, respect, responsibility, and a genuine commitment to the nursing profession.
The Innovation Award was presented to Alexandra Cellucci for creating a meaningful impact that promotes awareness through research and nursing practice to improve patient outcomes.
The Motivation Award was presented to Rajdel Francois who was recognized and honored as one who embodies the qualities of beginning professionalism, enthusiasm and dedication to his studies.
The Adult Postsecondary Practical Nursing Program at Blue Hills Regional www.bluehills.org
The Program is offered on a full-time basis for 40 weeks from September to June, Monday through Friday from 7:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Clinical hours may vary to accommodate clinical agency availability. The Practical Nursing Program offers a rigorous educational experience of theory and clinical practice which prepares graduates to take the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing) through the State Board of Registration in Nursing. The faculty provides an exceptional learning environment and the support services to ensure that students succeed.
Postsecondary admission at Blue Hills Regional Technical School is managed by the Director of Admissions and Financial Aid through the Blue Hills Regional Admissions Department. The Admissions and Financial Aid Office is open from 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. to the general public, Monday through Friday. If people have any questions about the admissions or financial aid process, contact the Director by email at mjoyce@bluehills.org or call the Admissions Department at (781) 828-5800 x231.