Eighteen juniors in Southeastern’s Nurse Assisting program were recognized during a Pinning Ceremony held during National Nurses Week. (Photo courtesy Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School) 
Keilanah Afonso is pinned by upperclass Nurse Assisting instructor Laura Drew. (Photo courtesy Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School) 
Karissa Anastos stands with Nurse Assisting Instructors Nanci Munro (left) and Laura Drew (right). (Photo courtesy SRVTHS student Vladimir Alves) 
Mya Burrell stands with Nurse Assisting Instructors Nanci Munro (left) and Laura Drew (right). (Photo courtesy SRVTHS student Vladimir Alves) 
Samantha Kazlauskas receives a certificate from Nurse Assisting Instructor Nanci Munro. (Photo courtesy Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School) 
Chris Leonard is pinned by upperclass Nurse Assisting instructor Laura Drew. (Photo courtesy SRVTHS student Vladimir Alves) 
Cameron Lawrence is pinned by Nurse Assisting Instructor Nanci Munro. (Photo courtesy Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School) 
Aidan Nevens is pinned by upperclass Nurse Assisting instructor Laura Drew. (Photo courtesy Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School) 
Chris-Ander Paraison is pinned by Nurse Assisting Instructor Nanci Munro. (Photo courtesy Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School) 
Kheiara Vilus stands with Nurse Assisting Instructors Nanci Munro (left) and Laura Drew (right). (Photo courtesy SRVTHS student Vladimir Alves) 
Students in the Nurse Assisting Class of 2024 cheer for their classmates during the Pinning Ceremony. (Photo courtesy Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School) 
As a surprise, a group of students also created and presented positive and entertaining superlatives to their classmates. From left: Mya Burrell, Aava Timas and Karissa Anastos. (Photo courtesy SRVTHS student Vladimir Alves) 
Following the pinning, a photo slideshow presentation was shown that highlighted the work of the students and the close friendships they’ve developed. (Photo courtesy Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School)
SOUTH EASTON — An important tradition in the nursing profession was continued this month as 18 juniors in Southeastern’s Nurse Assisting program were recognized during a Pinning Ceremony.
At a ceremony held during National Nurses Week (May 6-12) in the school’s Performing Arts Center, 18 students were recognized for their individual certifications completed in the fields of CMS Hand in Hand Dementia Training, First Aid/CPR, Home Health Aide Training, Nurse Aide Training and Seizure Certification. The ceremony was attended by family, friends, educators and industry professionals.
The Southeastern Nurse Assisting Class of 2024 includes juniors: Keilanah Afonso, Karissa Anastos, Kayla Barros, Mya Burrell, Sasha Castor, Makayla Hampton, Samantha Kazlauskas, Cameron Lawrence, Chris Leonard, Jalisa Mantell, Jaylani Marcelino, May Munro, Aidan Nevens, Chris-Ander Paraison, Miah Rhode, Debbie Seemeuang, Aava Timas and Kheiara Vilus.
“We are so proud of all of our Nurse Assisting juniors and the hard work they have put in to developing their knowledge and skills over the past year,” Nurse Assisting Instructor Nanci Munro (RN, BSN) said. “We are excited to recognize our students each year through this ceremony, which is so special to our profession.”
A Pinning Ceremony is a tradition to welcome new healthcare workers into the profession, as it symbolizes the dedication of the students’ service to the ill and injured.
As part of the evening, senior Nurse Assisting students welcomed guests, Munro gave an opening address, and upperclass Nurse Assisting instructor Laura Drew (RN, BSN) spoke of the history behind the pinning tradition.
“Tonight we have the honor of continuing this sacred tradition of welcoming these excellent students into the noble field of nursing,” Drew said. “Many nurses hold the pinning ceremony in higher regard than they hold any other commencement. This is because the pinning ceremony isn’t just a nursing tradition, it is a symbol of the nursing students’ hard work and dedication to their coursework and clinicals.”
Munro and Drew led the Pinning Ceremony. Senior students Syleena Morerro, Octavia Ricardo, Nuria Depina and Sophia Theodorides helped to pin the juniors. Underclass Nurse Assisting instructor Kim Berglund read the names of each student during the pinning and presented the class following the ceremony.
Student speakers included Keilanah Afonso (CNA) and Debbie Seemeuang (CNA). Afonso discussed perseverance and overcoming failures.
“Personally, I love this shop for the support and unconditional love,” she said. “My interest and the passion I have for this industry has grown so much this year. This program has required me to persevere more than I ever have before in my life. The love I have for this program pushed me so much to do what I feared I couldn’t.”
She added, “I learned that failures can lead to the sweetest success. Never to give up, even when it would be so much easier than persevering.”
Seemeuang talked about how important teamwork is.
“I have learned that teamwork is essential in healthcare,” she said. “The whole class worked together both in clinical and in the shop in order to prepare for and pass the state exam. [. . .] We coached each other, assisted each other and cheered each other on. We all passed the state exam because of our commitment to each other.”
As a surprise, a group of students also created and presented positive and entertaining superlatives to their classmates. Following the presentation of the class, a photo slideshow presentation was shown that highlighted the work of the students and the close friendships they’ve developed.
The Southeastern Nurse Assisting Class of 2024 would like to thank the Copley at Stoughton and West Acres Nursing in Brockton for hosting the class for clinical work.
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