On July 9 Halifax Community College held its sixth annual Nursing White Coat Ceremony at the Dr. Ervin V. Griffin,Sr. Centre, honoring 38 associate degree nursing students as they formally marked their transition into the second clinical phase of their training.
The event began at 11:00 a.m. with a warm welcome and opening remarks by Philip Clayton, paramedic and ADN II student, followed by a message from Dr. Patrena Benton Elliott, president and CEO of Halifax Community College.
The ceremony highlighted HCC’s proud tradition of excellence in nursing education, led by Sarah Harris, MSN, RN, program director of nursing.
Margaret Butcher, ADN II student, introduced the keynote speaker, Michael Clay, MSN, MHA, who offered words of encouragement and wisdom to the future nurses.
A special presentation was made by Allyson Harden, RN, recognizing the dedication and resilience of the students.
The student cloaking, a key ceremony moment symbolizing professionalism and commitment, was led by Dr. Julie Galvin, dean of academic affairs, with nursing faculty members Kara Clary, MSN, CNE; Helen Ford, MSN, RN; and Maria Navarro, MSN, RN.
Student Madison Bryant, LPN and ADN II student, delivered a heartfelt reflection on her journey in nursing thus far.
Savannah Myrick, BSN, RN, led the group in the White Coat Ceremony Pledge, affirming the students’ commitment to compassionate and ethical care.
During the presentation of awards, faculty members Tia Alfonso, MSN, RN; Rhonda Kennedy, MSN, RN; and Brittney Ward, BSN, RN, acknowledged students for their outstanding academic performance this summer:
Rita Gonzalez – Highest Academic Achievement in the LPN-RN Program
Sara D. Wade – Highest Academic Achievement in the Paramedic-RN Program
Margaret Butcher – Highest Academic Achievement in the Traditional ADN Program
Closing remarks were offered by Dr. Levy Brown, vice president of academic, student success, and strategy, who commended the students on their accomplishments and encouraged them to continue striving for excellence.
White Coat Ceremony Honorees – Summer 2025
Evan Bradley
Philip W. Clayton
Maeghan N. Cruz
Alexis K. Fox
Michael Fox
Katherine M. Lewis
John M. Page
Samantha Parker
James P. Pearce
Tatiana Provorov
Shannon M. Ridout
John M. Vonrosenberg
Sara D. Wade
Natalie B. Wells
Madison R. Bryant
Rita C. Gonzalez
Brittany Johnson
Jakima N. McGee
Latoya D. Pierce
Erica A. Richardson
Harley Staton
Kaylee N. Berwick
Margaret Butcher
Alexis R. Cabiness
Heather N. Carter
Mindy P. DeGroff
Ashleigh N. Edwards
Kennedy Hathaway
Natalie Medlin
Reagan Phillips
Jade E. Pineda Cruz
Abigail J. Powell
Kyle Roberson
Kristen Rowe
Abdul Sanyang – Not in attendance
Kimberly Whitaker
Hailey M. Whitby
Trina Yeldell
Halifax Community College proudly salutes this dedicated group of future nurses who have chosen a path of service, compassion, and lifelong learning.