Adult students graduate from practical nursing program

Twenty-six adults graduated from the Wayne County Schools Career Center's Practical Nursing evening program recently during the commencement ceremony at West Hill Baptist Church.

Danielle Shields, who graduated with honors, was class valedictorian. Ryan Turner received the Kay Myers Memorial Scholarship. Sandra Covey received an award for perfect attendance.

Angel Riding thanked those who supported her graduating classmates. "We are all deeply appreciative, and cannot put into words how much it means to us that someone would support our dream as much as you all did."

"There is not a more admirable job than that of a teacher," she said. She thanked Karen Davis for teaching anatomy and physiology "with such a passion that we will never forget it. Understanding A and P was the groundwork for understanding everything else we learned." She appreciated Catherine Knight's upbeat and positive attitude, which helped multiple times during nursing fundamentals. Beverly Cahill was thanked for keeping the students organized. She "quizzed us on nearly everything at our clinical rotations," Riding said.

"Every graduate here today learned a lot about what a family means…who they are, and what it means to push forward…we all struggled and faced a challenge. Along the way we learned our true abilities and strengths," said Riding.

"Make sure you tackle the big tasks in life first; if you fill up on all of the smaller tasks that are not quite important, you won't have time to tackle the bigger and better ones. Priorities are important as a contributing person in society. Set them and actually do it."

"I hope every person here looks at their lives and dreams and makes things happen. I hope that everyone sees a challenge and goes for it instead of running. I hope that when your dream comes true, you are awake enough to enjoy it, and live each day to its fullest," Riding concluded. Jason Carroll also spoke to the class.

Danielle Mabry welcomed the graduates, their families and friends, and the Rev. Dr. Christopher Cahill gave the invocation. The class was presented by instructor Karen Davis to Lynn Moomaw, director of operations, for graduation. Presenting the diplomas and pins was supervisor Andrew Cerniglia, assisted by Cahill, Davis, and Knight. Rita-Jean Jones gave the closing comments. Gideon Bibles were presented to each graduate, and a reception followed in the church Family Life Center.

The graduating class included: Alicia Altenburger, Keri Bouska, Tyler Brieding, Carroll, Covey, Brandi Crum, Alexandria Givens, Terra Graber, Kelly Gump, Alexis Hohn, Rita-Jean Jones, Melissa King, Eric Klein, Heather Leach, Kaylee Maag, Mabry, Tricia Mayfield, Joann Miller, William Restrepo, Riding, Karen Rodhe, Shields, Benjamin Siders, Shauna Slabaugh, Turner, and Megan Wagner.

The career center thanked the following facilities for providing clinical sites this year: Apostolic Christian Home, Inc.; Brenn-Field Nursing Center, Children's Hospital of Akron, Cleveland Clinic Wooster, Doylestown Health Care Center, Dunlap Community Hospital, Glendora Health Care Center, Hospice & Palliative Care of Greater Wayne County, Ida Sue School, Magnolia Village, Meadowview Nursing Home, Orrville Pointe, Pleasant View Health Care Center, Provider Services Inc. (Scenic View), Shady Lawn Nursing Home, Skyview Ranch, Smithville-Western Care Center and Horn Nursing Center, Summa Barberton Hospital, Summa Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital, Sycamore Run, The Laurels of Massillon, Wadsworth Pointe, Westview Manor, Wooster City Schools, and Wooster Community Hospital.