Fifty Questar III Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) students graduated on July 7 in a ceremony at Hudson High School. Friends and family members were on hand to applaud the success and achievement of 40 adult students and 10 high school students.
In opening remarks, teacher Donna Bellemare spoke about the journey of becoming a nurse. “When our students chose to enter the LPN program, they wanted to be a nurse…not for the pay, but because they recognize the intrinsic rewards of nursing are priceless and of greatest value…This is the day we have all worked so hard for and struggled for and it feels really good.”
Bellemare told the full house that she is especially proud of this year’s class. “They have worked very hard and are eager to work in their field. I know they will be a credit to our profession. They are amazing.”
Heather Lansing, principal of Questar III’s Columbia-Greene Education Center said, “Despite problems in the economy, the health care field is strong and growing. I am confident that those who have completed our Questar III LPN program are well-equipped to meet the challenges ahead.”
Cameras then flashed as proud relatives came forward to document the moment that graduates received their awards and LPN pins on stage. Broad smiles and a few tears appeared as they embraced their teachers in gratitude and joy.
Commended by faculty for her hard work and dedication, Nicola Buck beamed when she got her pin. Later she said, “I have three children and my main goal in life is to provide a good life for them. This was a quick program to help me reach my goal. As a nurse I feel I can make a difference in the community.”
Nicola Buck proudly receives her LPN pin
Buck also works as a CNA part-time after school at the Pine Hills nursing home in Philmont – something she likes very much. “They really care for residents and provide excellent service that I want to be part of.” Of her LPN teachers, Buck said, “They were all very helpful in making sure we succeeded. I’m very grateful.”
Eighteen-year-old Amber Wade from Hudson High School said she wants to be a nurse because she loves caring for people. “This LPN program has given me the opportunity to really work with people in clinical situations which is more than I expected.”
Amber Wade carries candle in LPN graduation ceremony
Currently employed as a certified nurse assistant (CNA) at the Resurrection Nursing Home in Castleton, Wade hopes to work there as an LPN after state exams. She’s also interested in becoming a nurse for the U.S. Army.
On behalf of the graduates, keynote speaker Ainsley Evans thanked the teachers who were then presented with bouquets of flowers.
Following the ceremony, Trisha First, the first Questar III LPN student ever to win at the national competition of Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) said she respects and admires her nursing instructors and their ability to impart their knowledge and skills onto others. “This has been a wonderful experience and now I’m eager to pursue a career in alternative medicine, incorporating what I’ve learned in a holistic approach to health, while continuing my studies at Russell Sage College.”
Sarah Flagler also commented that Questar III’s LPN program gave her a head start on becoming a nurse. Planning to continue at Columbia-Greene Community College for an associate’s degree as a registered nurse, Flagler is glad she can work as a nurse while she studies. “This program has allowed me to enter my field of choice right now and I know I will do much better in the RN program because of it.”
The LPN class of 2011 includes the following (note those with an asterisk are honor graduates): Julie Adams,* Nicole L. Altomer, Angela M. Anderson, Dayna Barrett, Kelly A. Barris,* Mark A. Basso, Brittany Lynn Beattie,* Albrecht Benschop, Celina Brandley, Nicola D. Buck,* Jamie L. Bull,* Katie M Cashman,* Heather Lynn Conklin, Amanda Jean Coons,* Carol A. Corcoran, Christine Couitt,* Shaquaviah A. Cross, Eliezer Dominguez IIl, Tara A. Dwy, Ainsley May Evans,* Dione Fambrough, Heidi Faulkner, Trisha First,* Sarah Flagler,* Nishell Hampton, Rebecca Rose Jennings, Tricia Jiraud, Tonya L. Lamont, April Rose Larsen, Petra K. Madsen,* Courtney Anna Miller, Julie Patricia Moore, Taylor C. Nitsky, Ronnilla Esthair Parsons, Cynthia Fern Paterson,* Zara E. Rankell, Lizbeth Shannon Ray, Nicole Marie Risch, Jessica Lynn Rivenburg, Joshua M. Rivenburgh, Erin Rodriquez, Katie Ray Sambrook,* Cassandra Edwina Schliff, Jeanne Simon- MacDonald,* Erika H. Slemp, Owen J. Sterling, Lauren L. Trischetti, Veronica Yoshira Vertiz, Amber Lynn Wade, and Alexis Marie Weeks.
The class valedictorian is Jeanne Simon MacDonald and Trisha First is the salutatorian.
The LPN Faculty Awards were presented as follows:
The Clinical Practice Award
- Brittany Beattie
- Nicola Buck
The Attendance Award
- Cynthia Fern Paterson
The Initiative Award
- Petra Madsen
The Leadership Award
- Eliezer Dominquez III
The Sonja Decker Memorial Award for demonstrating “a positive attitude, ready smile, love of nursing, radiance of joy, compassion, empathy and patient advocacy”
- Tonya Lamont
The Leslie Beebe Memorial Award for “a positive attitude, idealistic spirit and patient advocacy”
- Katie Rae Sambrook
The 2011 Nightingale Award for “best exemplifying the Florence Nightingale principles including professionalism, integrity, leadership, team player, health teacher, self-direction, self-discipline, knowledge and technical skills”
- Jamie Bull
The Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) Achievement Awards – state and national competitions:
- Ainsley Evans – Medical Terminology – 2nd place in the NYS competition
- Cynthia Fern Paterson – Medical Terminology – 1st place in NYS and 6th in National
- Trisha First – Prepared Speaking – 1st place in NYS and 1st in National
- Erika Slemp – Human Growth & Development – 2nd place in NYS and 2nd in National
- Sarah Flagler – Pharmacology – 1st place in NYS and 3rd in National
- Christine Couitt – Pathophysiology – 2nd place in NYS and 5th in National
- Amber Wade – Career Health Display – 3rd place in NYS
Following the graduates’ recitation of the Code of Ethics for the Licensed Practical Nurse, LPN faculty member Anne Autenrieth told them now the really hard work begins. “If you ever forget what being a nurse is all about or why our profession is so special, take a moment to reflect and review your role and the pledges you have made here tonight to yourself, and more importantly, to your patients.”
Questar III’s LPN program, based in Hudson and Troy, provides the hours of classroom theory and clinical experience required to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Students learn and plan the implementation of quality nursing care for patients.
