Halifax Community College honored the achievements of its healthcare graduates during the School of Health Sciences Pinning Ceremony held Wednesday in the Dr. Ervin V. Griffin, Sr. Centre on campus.

The ceremony recognized graduates from HCC’s Dental Hygiene, Nursing, and Medical Laboratory Technology programs, marking a significant milestone as students transition from academic study to professional practice.

Dental Hygiene Program Director Lisa Santiago praised her graduates, stating, “This class has demonstrated exceptional dedication, compassion, and professionalism. We are confident they will make a meaningful impact in improving oral health within the communities they serve.”

Nursing Program Director Sarah Harris reflected on the significance of the moment, sharing, “Our nursing graduates have shown resilience and commitment throughout their journey. They are entering the profession prepared to provide high-quality, compassionate care, and we are incredibly proud of their accomplishments.”

Medical Laboratory Technology Program Director Lonnie Barker emphasized the critical role of laboratory professionals, noting, “Behind every diagnosis is a skilled laboratory professional. This group of graduates is well-prepared to uphold the highest standards of accuracy, integrity, and excellence in healthcare.”

Graduates also addressed attendees, with Harley Abrams representing Dental Hygiene, Anna Christmas representing Medical Laboratory Technology, and Mindy DeGroff representing Nursing. In their remarks, each graduate reflected on the determination and perseverance required to complete their programs and emphasized their dedication to serving others through compassionate healthcare and professional excellence. They expressed sincere appreciation to their families, friends, professors, and classmates for the encouragement and support they received throughout their educational journeys. The speakers also shared their excitement for the future and spoke about the meaningful difference they hope to make in the lives of others through their careers in healthcare.

A highlight of the ceremony included the lighting of candles and recitation of the Florence Nightingale Pledge by nursing graduates, alongside program-specific oaths for Dental Hygiene and Medical Laboratory Technology students.

Several students were recognized for outstanding achievement during the ceremony. In the Nursing program, Margaret Butcher received both the Leadership Award and the Academic Excellence Award, while Natalie Wells received the Clinical Excellence Award.

During the Dental Hygiene presentations, Shelby Connie-Inscoe received the Golden Scaler Award, Bineta Diop received the Colgate Star Award, and Crystal Cervantes received the Verna V. High Scholarship Award.

During the Medical Laboratory Technology presentations, Caleb Richardson received both the MLT Patriot Award and the Sue Tidrick Clinical Excellence Award in recognition of his outstanding achievement and clinical excellence.

Closing remarks were delivered by Dr. Levy Brown, Vice President of Academic and Student Success, who commended graduates for their perseverance and encouraged them as they begin their careers in the healthcare field.

School of Health Sciences Class of 2026 Graduates

Dental Hygiene
Harley Abrams, Montserrat Beltran, Jada Bethea, Shareya Bryant, Crystal Cervantes, Shelby Connie-Inscoe, Susannah Davis, Bineta Diop, Ashton Garner, Mykayla Harris, Karis Moore, Maria Moreno, Madison Pait, Abigail Pridgen, Tamaria Ramsey, Erika Sandoval, Katelyn Wester, and Juanita Williams.

Medical Laboratory Technology
Mikayla Alston, Jerry Altamirano, Anna Christmas, Caleb Richardson, Adam Salem, Stacey Pierce, LaShonda Peterson, Jamie Poythress, and Quanekia Newsome.

Nursing
Margaret Butcher, Philip Clayton, Maeghan Cruz, Mindy DeGroff, Alexis Fox, Michael Fox, Rita Gonzalez, Kennedy Hathaway, Alexis Kearney, Katherine Lewis, Natalie Medlin, John Page, Paul Pearce, Jade Pineda-Cruz, Tatiana Provorov, Shannon Ridout, Kyle Roberson, Abigail Smith, Harley Staton, John von Rosenberg, Sara Wade, Natalie Wells, and Hailey Whitby.