Nine graduates received diplomas in a ceremony held on Aug. 16, at the Eastern Greenbrier Middle School Auditorium. Julie Shiflet, director of Career, Technical, and Adult Education for Greenbrier County Schools presented each graduate with a diploma signifying completion of the Greenbrier County Schools program, after being introduced by Pamela Lewis, coordinator/instructor. Melanie Bradley and Hettie Blair, instructors with the program, presented each graduate a pin and Nursing Lamp to signify successful completion of their year-long training.
Samantha Shifflett, president of the class, introduced the commencement speaker. The Commencement Address was delivered by Laura White, RN. White has been employed by Greenbrier Valley Medical Center for the past 14 months. In her address, she shared that she believes that one of the most important things an excellent nurse possesses is character. White encouraged the graduates that the education and experiences they had completed over the past year would assist them in their future endeavors. Samantha Shifflett then presented the president’s address.
Amanda Bartley, Michelle Smith and Eden Blankenship gave the audience a brief history on the significance of the nursing caps, pins and lamps. Following the class recital of the Practical Nurse’s Pledge, the graduates concluded the ceremony with a reading of A Nurse’s Prayer.
Greenbrier School of Practical Nursing (formerly Region IV) is located on the campus of Greenbrier East High School. Each spring they accept 25 adult students for the rigorous 12-month program. The current faculty is composed of Pamela Lewis, coordinator/instructor, Melanie Bradley, full time instructor, and Hettie Blair, part-time instructor. For more information about the program, call 304-647-6487 or go to http://www.greenbriercountyschools.org/group/ea05a863-8d3b-4ebc-836d-d3d719f2a47a.