The traditional "pinning" ceremony was held Thursday night for the 13 graduating Nursing Division students in the University of the Virgin Islands Class of 2000.
After a welcome by mistress of ceremonies Maxine A. Nuñez and opening remarks by Nursing Division chair Gloria Callwood, the graduating nurses were addressed by Clarice Comissiong, the territorial director of nursing. Interim UVI Chancellor Roy Watlington echoed a theme of Comissiong's address in his presentation: the desire for local health care operations to employ locally graduated nurses.
The highlight of the program, held in the Harvey Student Center on the UVI campus, was the moving presentation of nursing pins to the soon-to-be-graduates, who will receive their bachelor of science degree. Each candidate had pre-recorded a short thank-you speech which was played while a person special to that student attached the nurse's lapel pin.
A procession of mothers, fathers, grandmothers, husbands and children came forward and pinned their proud graduates while the "thank-you's" filled the hall.
After the pinnings, the graduates recited the professional nurses' oath while holding lighted candles.
The members of the Class of 2000 are Akiba D. Ambrose, Alicia A. Benjamin, Hannifer Z. Britton, Dahlia E. Buncome, Agatha S. Karoo-Henry, Royce A. Hodge, Jennifer J. JnoBaptiste, Shanell L. Larsen, LaToya C. Rochester, Ernie M. Pennyfeather-Simmonds, Tasha M. Sobratti, Michele M. Stout and Tricia V. Garcia-Veraart.
A reception following the ceremony featured decorated cakes from Frank's Bake Shop donated in honor of graduate Garcia-Veraart, a member of the family that owns the bakery.
