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LAPLACE — On May 14, River Parishes Community College hosted a Pinning Ceremony at New Wine Christian Fellowship in LaPlace for their 2021 Practical Nursing graduates, as an opportunity to share with their family and friends their achievements and academic success.

The following awards were presented at the ceremony:

Florence Nightingale: Carol Winfrey

Valedictorian: Brooke Aucoin

Salutatorian: Carol Winfrey

Medical Surgical: Indria Bush

Geriatric Nursing: Cassidy Gravois

Rising Star: Tai Williams

“RPCC’s Practical Nursing class of 2021 finished, and that in itself is such a huge accomplishment. It was hard, as we faced many obstacles, including COVID-19, but I hope that we are remembered as a class full of strong and determined women,” said Brooke Aucoin, class valedictorian and class ambassador.

The Pinning Ceremony was conducted by RPCC Practical Nursing & Allied Health Program Coordinator Keisha E. Moore, RN CCHC, and RPCC Nursing Instructors C. Sue Masters, RN, BSN & Nanette Patin, RN, MSN.

“We are extremely proud of the Practical Nursing Class of 2021. They were able to persevere through a pandemic. The pinning ceremony was a rite of passage and a true testament to the nursing profession and their successes. We hope that as the graduates continue their journey that they will share their success and become a mentor for others,” Moore stated.

RPCC’s interim chancellor, Dr. Jim Carlson, spoke at the ceremony. “The RPCC faculty and staff are very proud of each one of our graduating nursing students, and we look forward to watching them succeed in their nursing careers. I have no doubt they are going to make a positive difference in the lives of their patients and their communities,” said Dr. Carlson of the 2021 Class of Practical Nursing Students.

River Parishes Community College is an open admission institution that partners with the

communities and businesses of the River Parishes region of Louisiana to provide workforce training, certificates, diplomas and associate degrees.