Trinity Valley Community College’s Terrell-Health Science Center celebrates the heroes of the medical field during the Pinning Ceremony for the Associate Degree of Nursing (ADN) Class of 2024 on May 6 at the Jamie Foxx Performing Arts Center in Terrell.

“When we talk about nursing, you know what we really define?” TVCC President Dr. Jason Morrison expressed to the graduates. “Our heroes. What do we expect from our nurses? To be fearless and courageous. To never judge who comes before them and never hold prejudice. To give up their heart and themselves to their patient. They are there to comfort and treat us without any expectations of thanks. That’s a hero.”

Morrison expressed his gratitude for being a part of the ceremony.

“I am humbled to share a few words to this graduating class and to be in their presence at this pinning ceremony,” Morrison added. “I get to be surrounded by heroes.”

The ADN Class of 2024 had over 121 graduates walk the stage and be pinned by a family member, friend or loved one during the ceremony.

Associate Vice President Dr. Jason Smith explained the pinning ceremony dates to the days of Florence Nightingale, who was known as the lady of the lamp and the founder and mother of modern nursing.

“The pinning ceremony is an important tradition for the students graduating from the nursing programs,” Dr. Jason Smith noted during his opening remarks. “The pinning ceremony fulfills much more than the completion of [the student’s] required courses to obtain an associate of applied science of nursing and to take the exam to become a registered nurse, but it serves as an induction into graduate nursing. I would like to say welcome to the nursing profession.”

The ceremony also gave recognition to students and faculty who went beyond the classroom to excel.

The student awards went to:

Most Compassionate Student Nurse: Carol Weiford-Garner

Most Likely to Become a Chief Nursing Officer: Mary Wood

Most Likely to Become a Nursing Instructor: Katherine “Kati” Toler

The Clara Barton award is named after the Founder and Leader of the America Red Cross, Lesa Hendrix explained. Barton’s inspiring legacy to the nation serves as the foundation for this prestigious award. It focuses on service to humanity, daily contributions, and volunteerism.

Lupe Leon was awarded the Clara Barton Award.

“This student selflessly shares her time, expertise and compassion to save others,” Hendrix added. “One of her service projects was a program called “Girls Embracing Mother.” A program that brings daughters together with their incarcerated mothers in the Texas Penial System. It is designed to nurture the mother-daughter relationship and bond.”

The Mary Hardy Excellence Award went to Brian Sawe, who held the highest-grade point average in his class.

James Greenalch and Kati Toler both received the Florence Nightingale Award. The award is voted on by TVCC faculty and staff for a student’s outstanding performance, Hendrix shared. The students are chosen based on their desire to inspire others by examples and their need to always encourage others to elevate the nursing profession.

Upon receiving the Florence Nightingale Award, Toler was asked to announce the winner of The Faculty Daisy Award.

The Faculty Daisy Award aims to provide a national recognition program that allows academic institutions and nursing programs to demonstrate appreciation to nursing faculty for their commitment and inspirational influence on their students, Toler explained. The Daisy Foundation hopes this will contribute to a positive work environment and encourage nursing faculty to continue to teach future nurses.

For her excellence inside the classroom, Professor of Nursing Dr. Nikki Runnels was nominated by her students and awarded The Faculty Daisy Award.

“Dr. Runnels fosters genuine connections with her students and lifelong bonds based on mutual respect and admiration,” Toler expressed.  “Thank you for the life lessons shared and for the care and support given to each of us. Thank you for the important values of love and integrity that you have instilled in us. Your dedication to your students is truly admirable. We love you.”

Dr. Runnels shared her excitement at receiving the award.

“This recognition means the world to me,” Dr. Runnels exclaimed. “I’m incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to do work that I am passionate about. Today, I find myself surrounded by amazing individuals with outstanding leadership, thriving students and a supporting community. I’m deeply thankful for those who guided me on my journey, and I’m thrilled to pay that forward through my students.”

During her student speaker remarks, TVCC student Jennifer Watson shared her gratitude for her TVCC professors and the excitement she and her fellow student had for their career.

“I would like to say thank you to our TVCC professors for showing up every day,” Watson said. “Now it’s our turn to show up and to go out into the world. What a moment this is and it’s one you will always remember and cherish. You should be proud of what you have accomplished. Always remember this feeling of happiness and the energy and use it every day. Never forget why you became a nurse and never lose your love for nursing.”