16 Practical Nursing graduates earn pins

By: Mike Gavin
Published: July 23, 2026

SPINDALE (July 22, 2026) – Sixteen Isothermal Community College practical nursing students celebrated the completion of their program during the college's 2026 Practical Nursing Pinning Ceremony Monday evening.

Held at the Frank and Mabel West Auditorium at The Foundation Performing Arts Center, the ceremony marked an important milestone for the graduates as they prepare to enter the nursing profession.

The graduates of the 2026 class are Noel Alexander, Keshia Viola Boone, Carolina Diaz, Abigail Rae Earley, Linda Mae Epping, Payton Goforth, Ruby Morgaine Newton Hughey, Taylor Hutchins, Autumn Austin Jones, Sherri Denise Moretz, Vanessa Hernandez Nichols, Madison Beth Owens, Emanuel Cruz Ramirez, Lucinda Diane Smith, Jacquelyn Lopez Vasquez and Toi Lynn Walker.

Dr. Margaret Annunziata, Isothermal's president, welcomed the graduates and guests. Dr. Shannon Jones, Practical Nursing faculty, served as the keynote speaker.

Betsy Cuthbertson, director of Nursing and Health Sciences, presented the class awards before joining Jones and Practical Nursing faculty member Sonja Blanchette in the presentation of pins. The graduates also participated in the traditional lamp lighting and recited the Nightingale Pledge.

The pinning ceremony represents the culmination of the graduates' work in Isothermal's Practical Nursing program and their transition into the nursing profession.

For more information about Isothermal's Practical Nursing program, contact Cuthbertson at bcuthbertson@isothermal.edu or 828-395-1675.