Seminole State College held a pinning ceremony at the Enoch Kelly Haney Center on Dec. 7 for 15 nursing students expected to meet degree requirements this semester. The pinning ceremony also included candle lighting, signifying the transition from student to one of service. Since the nursing program began in 1972, nearly 1,100 nurses have launched their careers at SSC.

Nursing graduates and nursing faculty and staff pictured (left to right): Assistant Professor of Nursing Shelby Parsons, Nursing Program Office Manager Julie Mathews, Former Nursing Director Crystal Bray, Assistant Nursing Professor Ann Benson, Jami Hammond, Connor Martin, Assistant Professor of Nursing Damaila Lester, Assistant Professor of Nursing Miranda Stewart and Assistant Professor of Nursing Jessica Shelburne. Middle Row: Cheyanne Lee, Rebecca Smith, Shelly Teape, Kerra Pack, Presleigh Casteel, Serrenity Rezentes and Jada Hill. Front Row: Tina Buckmaster, Abigail Gilliam, Tara Gaines-Manship, Hayley Dale, Tosha Johnson, Casey Visnieski and Stephanie Newburn.

Presleigh Casteel (right) poses with her daughter Isabel (left) prior to the pinning ceremony. Casteel was the recipient of this semester’s Spirit of Nursing Award. The award is given to a student demonstrates academic excellence and embodies the values of SSC’s nursing program.