17 students from Blue Hills Regional Technical School’s Practical Nursing Program graduated on Wednesday, June 23. (Photo courtesy Blue Hills Regional Technical School) 
At the graduation ceremony on Wednesday night, a closing candle lighting ceremony was led by Practical Nursing Program Coordinator Betty Tangney. (Photo courtesy Blue Hills Regional Technical School) 
Left to Right: Blue Hills Regional Technical School’s Practical Nursing Instructors Diane Lyons, Nancy Finnell, Betty Tangney and Cathy Mohan. (Photo courtesy Blue Hills Regional Technical School)
CANTON — Superintendent Jill Rossetti and Practical Nursing Program Coordinator Betty Tangney are pleased to share the thirty-second annual commencement of Blue Hills Regional Technical School’s Practical Nursing Program.
The graduation ceremony took place Wednesday, June 23, at Blue Hills Regional Technical School.
“We’re extremely proud of these graduates for the vital work they have done and will continue to do upon their completion of our Practical Nursing Program,” Superintendent Rossetti said. “Each and every student graduating this program has proven to be a highly qualified individual who is equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in the healthcare field. I was touched by their personal journeys and the support they received from their family, friends and loved ones. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors.”
The ceremony included a welcome address from Practical Nursing Program Coordinator Tangney; opening remarks from District School Committee Representative from Braintree Eric Erskine; keynote speaker address from Randolph Public Health Nurse Ann Martin; a class representative address from Erica Roberts; a musical selection and a closing candle lighting ceremony led by Coordinator Tangney.
In her keynote address Public Health Nurse Martin paraphrased the words of Kristen Durzy’s presentation, ‘Racism: a Public Health Emergency,’ and talked about the importance of equity in the healthcare industry and what equity would look like.
Certificates were awarded at the ceremony by Superintendent Rossetti and DSC Representative Erskine and they were assisted by Director of Admissions & Financial Aid Mary Beth Joyce and Practical Nursing Instructor Nancy Finnell.
The presentation of pins was handled by Betty Diane Lyons, Catherine Mohan and Patricia Greene. Awards were also presented to students by Lyons and Mohan.
“This ceremony is a culmination of our students’ hard work and perseverance over the past year that was like no other,” Tangney said. “I’m extremely proud of their amazing accomplishments and their clinical work on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic this year. With the education and experience they’ve received from this program, I’m confident in saying they are all adequately prepared for their future careers.”
The following is a list of all the Practical Nursing Program Class of 2021 graduates: Tola Abraham (Medfield), Anthony Beltran (Fall River), Courtney Bondarick (Plymouth), Cassandra Bordenave (Brockton), Vanessa Cadestin (Stoughton), Marie-Andre Dorescar (Mattapan), Shannon Kenny*** (Holbrook), McKala Mendes** (Taunton), Tiffany Neves (Brockton), Raul Spinola (Brockton), Michael Sweet** (Avon), Dana Thompson* (Brockton), Kerry Mitchell (Taunton), Karen Ryder-Habel (Marshfield), Beatrice Wakahia (Brockton), Nnakaike Okpara (Somerville) and Erica Roberts (Brockton).
*** Denotes Valedictorian, ** Denotes Salutatorian, * Denotes Honors
“We have learned so much over the course of these 10 months, not just nursing-related but about ourselves and what we are capable of, if we just apply ourselves,” class representative Roberts said.
Blue Hills Regional Practical Nursing Program
The Blue Hills Regional Practical Nursing Program is a post-secondary adult 10-month full-time nursing program at Blue Hills Regional Technical School in Canton. Graduates of the program are prepared both academically and clinically to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nursing (NCLEX-PN) through the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.
Those interested in learning more about the program or who are interested in applying for the fall of 2021-2022 are encouraged to visit the program’s website at www.bluehills.org/practical-nursing.
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