CENTER VALLY, Pa. — Twenty-five students graduated from Penn State Lehigh Valley’s practical nursing program during a ceremony held at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 27 at the campus in Center Valley. Jane Knepp, vice president of human resources and risk management at Fellowship Community, a continuing care retirement community in Whitehall, provided the keynote address.
Members of the 2016 practical nursing class include:
Allentown
Jennifer Horan
Katuara Morgan
Brianna Rivera
Amanda Vasquez
Bangor
Sheilah Stevens
Bethlehem
Ashley Goodshall
Davana Lawson
Corine Ramos
Easton
Ina Dutt
Sandra Peluso
Brandie Stra
Holly Swint
Lauren Thomas
Elverson
Nicole Michinock
Emmaus
Samantha Halwick
Hellertown
Katie Butler
Mertztown
Samantha Bruchez
Nazareth
Tami Baltz
Candice Moyer
Northampton
Maelynn Campbell
James Pak
Quakertown
Casey Mason
Whitehall
Francisco Irizzary
Carmen Torrales
Derek Rousseau
In addition to receiving graduation certificates and pins, five students were recognized with the following awards:
- Academic Achievement (presented to the student earning the highest overall grade-point average): Ina Dutt
- Chancellor’s Award for Leadership (recognizes outstanding leadership and professionalism during the nursing education process): Holly Swint
- Excellence in Clinical Practice (granted to the nursing student who best displays a high regard for clinical care and clinical aptitude): Candice Moyer
- Most Compassionate (presented to the student who demonstrates empathy, respect, dignity and kindness during patient care): Derek Rousseau
- Most Inspiring (recognizes a student who overcame tough challenges and excelled despite incredible odds): Davana Lawson