PICTURED, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT, BACK ROW, ARE MIKE PANGELINA, KRISTY HYATT, AND DARLA WEATHERLY, INSTRUCTOR; AND STARR SHOCKLEY; AND FRONT ROW, FROM LEFT, ELIZABETH HUNSAKER, DARLIN PALMER, KATY DUBOIS, AND DEENAY PERRY. On Dec. 11, a graduation was held for seven students of John C. Fremont Healthcare District’s 20th nursing assistant training program. The graduation was held at the senior center.

Darla Weatherly, LVN, program instructor and director of staff development, welcomed all those in attendance and introduced the speakers, which included Chuck Bill, CEO/administrator; Mike McCreary, board chair; Maureen Spacke, director of nursing; Katrina Anderson, LVN, skilled nursing manager; and Bill Van Lente, human resources director.

Anderson commended the students, saying, “This was a great class. Seven started and all seven of you completed the program. This is the first class that did not have someone drop out. That says so much about each of you. The program is an intense eight weeks to get through, and all of you made it. You have learned, and are doing things you probably never thought you could do. Not only have you each proven that you can do the job, but you’ve each shown that you possess the compassion that is needed to be good nursing assistants. We are all very proud of you and excited to have you on staff.”

Students were presented their certificate of graduation and nursing assistant pins by Bill and Weatherly. Kristy Hyatt was named the class valedictorian. Deenay Perry received a certificate for being the best at clinical skills, and Elizabeth Hunsaker was honored for perfect attendance. Starr Shockley was the class speaker.

“It’s really nice to meet the family and friends of our graduates at this ceremony. It’s uplifting to see how proud their families are of them. Even the children seem to enjoy themselves, especially when the cake and punch is served,” said Lorna Coci, program coordinator.