Halifax Community College held its annual School of Health Sciences Pinning Ceremony on Tuesday.
HCC's medical laboratory technology, dental hygiene, and nursing graduates were honored and recognized at this event.
“The HCC School of Health Sciences Pinning Ceremony is a significant milestone, symbolizing the culmination of rigorous training for graduates poised to enter the healthcare workforce,” the college said. “This ceremony underscores Halifax Community College's steadfast dedication to increasing the flow of skilled healthcare professionals.”
As the largest Nursing graduating class to date, “this cohort exemplifies the growing interest and demand for healthcare professions, reflecting both the rising need for skilled professionals in the industry and the college's pivotal role in meeting this demand.
“Moreover, the notable increase in male graduates within this cohort marks a significant shift in the demographics of healthcare professionals, highlighting the importance of diversity and inclusivity in this critical field.”
The college said graduates of the medical laboratory technology and dental hygiene programs “have the power to make a significant difference in the healthcare field as well. With a strong foundation in scientific principles and hands-on training, HCC’s MLT graduates are prepared to perform intricate laboratory tests crucial for disease diagnosis and treatment.”
As one of 13 community colleges in the state offering a dental hygiene program, HCC continues to graduate skilled individuals into this sector of the healthcare workforce, the college said. “These students are armed with expertise in preventive oral care, and equipped to educate and assist patients in maintaining optimal dental health. As they step into their professional roles, these graduates bring dedication, compassion, and a commitment to excellence, ensuring the delivery of high-quality healthcare services in the Roanoke Valley.”
Halifax Community College President Patrena Benton Elliott said, “These newly minted professionals are poised to make meaningful contributions to the health and well-being of countless individuals, especially for those within our community.”
Medical laboratory technology graduates
Marti Byrum, Kimberly P. Dukes, Shanita Jeffress
Dental hygiene graduates
Dounia Bassioni, Quasha’ Battle, Gabby Bautista, Abigail Daughtridge, Jasmine Aaliyah Fair, Holly Rae Farmer, Emma Marie Gibbons, Cynthia Hernandez De Lapaz, Brooke Eve Loving,
Jarrett Ray Meeks, Johanna Estefani Paredes, Madison Beale Presson
Associate degree nursing graduates
Yolanda Bishop-King, Aletitia Boone-Smallwood, Tyler Brantley, Luke Choplin, Kia Copeland, Ashley Cornell, Brandon Cox, Jacelyn Davis, Billie Joy Duncan, Abigail Fleming, Andrea Hobbs, Ki’Asia Lassiter, Jabria Leary, Myesha Lynch, Jessie Martin, Bethany Melvin, Tallis Milburn, Jessica Mills, Kenya Mills, Kayley Minton, Jennifer Morris, Amanda Mountford, Trinity Itayi, Mudungo Quateidra, Newell Patrick O’Connor, Jessica Owen, Shontel Owens-Dickens, Olivia Pablo-Castro, Daniel Rigg, Brian Roberson, Lindsey Rowland, Veronica Ruiz, Pa’Trice Shepard, LaToya Silver, Timothy Tetterton, Garett Thompson, Crystal Tippett, Alexis Umphlett, Chandrea Warren, Natasha Welch, Jamie Whiteside, Danielle Whitt, Melissa Williams, Alexis Wilson