Press release:
The Genesee Valley (GV) BOCES School of Practical Nursing proudly graduated 24 students at a ceremony held on October 8 at Celebration Church in Leicester, New York. Brianna Spuck was named valedictorian of the class, and Magdalena Lendzion was recognized as the salutatorian. Instructors Marisa Dale, Jackie VanNorman and Janet Green assisted throughout the ceremony. Heidi Mix, Regional Medical Programs Coordinator, was also on hand to congratulate students and recognize them for all of their hard work and commitment.
Mix shared some thoughts about how this class weathered the challenges of learning during the pandemic.
“This class was our first class to be able to transition back to the classroom and clinical facilities. Coming back into the classroom allowed for a more normal school environment which then, in turn, created some strong bonding to take place amongst the students,” Mix said. “If I have to describe this particular class as a whole, I would say they functioned as a team and respected their instructor as a team does their coach. They worked hard for her and also had some fun together.”
During the ceremony, Dale gave some parting words of wisdom to the graduates.
“As nurses, you have a responsibility to do what is right for your patients. You have to love what you do and have a passion for your work. Stay involved, and contribute. Positivity and knowledge have power,” Dale said.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, John Cima, Lead Coordinator for the GV BOCES Adult Education Program, announced that each student would receive a credit for payment of their NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination) exam. These payments to students are made possible due to Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding.
Graduates of the program must complete a 12-month, 1,200-clock hour program that is certified by the New York State Education Department. Graduates of the program receive a certificate of completion of licensed practical nursing.
The program is designed to prepare graduates for the NCLEX-PN Examination for licensure as a Licensed Practical Nurse. This course is offered in three different sites located in Batavia, Rochester Tech Park in Gates, and Mount Morris, New York. For more information about this program, contact the Adult Education/School of Practical Nursing at (585) 344-7788.
The graduates are:
- Taylor Alexander
- Nickesha Anderson
- Emily Antonucci
- Jasmine Avery
- Thomas Brado
- Jasmine Collier
- Lisa Dumuhosky
- Samantha Feldmann
- Lauren Forsyth
- Carey Hewitt
- Ashley Houck
- Camille Hunter
- Brandi Jackson
- Laura Koehl
- Magdalena Lendzion
- Taylor McPherson
- Megan Peterson
- Portia Read
- Jenna Scaccia
- Isaeyah Smith
- Brianna Spuck
- Nevin Steward
- Andrea Wetherwax
- Brianna Wolfe
Photos: Top photo: Brianna Spuck, valedictorian of the class, (left) with Heidi Mix, Regional Medical Programs Coordinator. Bottom photo: Heidi Mix, Regional Medical Programs Coordinator (right), recognizes Magdalena Lendzion as the class salutatorian.
