Twelve graduates received diplomas from Greenbrier School of Practical Nursing in a ceremony held on Aug. 14 at the Eastern Greenbrier Middle School auditorium. The processional and recessional music was provided by pianist Pamela Lewis. Jim Johnson (Shelia Tygrett’s minister) conducted opening and closing prayers. Lewis, coordinator of the program, gave the welcome and introduction. Sabrina Bryant, president of the class, presented the president’s address and then introduced the commencement speaker.
The commencement address was delivered by Summer Hepler, RN. Hepler has been employed by Greenbrier Valley Medical Center for the past several years. In her address, she shared tips that she wished other nurses had shared with her when she was graduating from nursing school.
Following the address, Tygrett presented a vocal solo of “The Climb.” Prior to the presentation of pins, lamps and diplomas, Heather Hicks, Jennifer Dorsey and Gracie Anderson gave the audience a brief history on the significance of the nursing caps, pins and lamps.
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 Adult program, after being introduced by Pamela Lewis, coordinator/instructor. Melanie Bradley and Hettie Blair, instructors with the program, presented each graduate with a pin and nursing lamp to signify successful completion of their year-long training.
The graduates are: Chynna Southall of Covington, VA; Gracie Anderson of Clifton Forge, VA; Kayla Wiser of Alderson; April Shanklin of Renick; Emily Dimon and Heather Hicks from Covington, VA; Stacy Langham and Shelia Tygrett of Rupert; Alisha Brookman from Covington, VA; Cyndi Mellard of Lewisburg; Jennifer Dorsey from White Sulphur Springs and Sabrina Bryant of Ronceverte.
Following the class recital of the Practical Nurse’s Pledge by the graduates, Emily Dimon 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. Twenty-five adult students are accepted annually to the rigorous 12-month program. The current faculty is composed of Pamela Lewis, coordinator/instructor, Melanie Bradley, full-time instructor, Hettie Blair, part-time instructor,and Rae Smith, substitute instructor. For more information about the program, call 304-647-6487 or go to http://www.greenbriercountyschools.org/lpn-program.
