In addition to the pinning ceremony, a striping ceremony recognized nineteen students who have completed their first year of nursing education. They received stripes for the sleeves of their student uniforms, designating them as second level Associate Degree in Nursing students.
Several graduating associate degree students were recognized during the ceremonies. Erika Kovacevic, Spring Grove, received the Pennsylvania State Nurses Association Leadership Award, presented to the student who demonstrates strong leadership qualities which include patient advocacy, professionalism and effective communication skills.
Sheila Briggs, Gettysburg, received the Gettysburg Campus Nursing Student Organization Art of Nursing Award, presented to the student who demonstrates outstanding compassionate care to patients and families.
The Gettysburg Nursing Faculty Excellence in Nursing Award, presented to the student who demonstrates excellence in interpersonal communication, assessment, documentation, and technical skills; who consistently exhibits exemplary behavior both in the classroom and clinical areas; and who best exemplifies HACC Nursing, went to Christy Arentz of Biglerville. In her remarks, Arentz noted the diversity of the nursing student body and offered words of encouragement. "Today we celebrate the culmination of hard work, self-discipline, countless sacrifices, and accomplished dreams. We did it!"
The program included opening remarks by HACC President Dr. Edna Baehre and by Jennifer Weaver, dean of the HACC-Gettysburg campus. Marilyn Teeter, director of nursing programs at HACC-Gettysburg, recognized HACC administrators and staff who had been instrumental in initiating and supporting the HACC nursing program in Gettysburg.
Teeter complimented the "wonderful nursing faculty" of "highly professional nurses who are dedicated to helping our students learn." She offered congratulations and encouragement to the graduates: "You had a dream and the courage to pursue it. You achieved it. Now, do great things with your dream."
Teeter also acknowledged the cooperation and affiliation of area health care agencies which make their sites available to provide clinical experience for nursing students: Adams-Hanover Counseling Services, Carlisle Regional Medical Center, Chambersburg Hospital/Summit Health, Gettysburg Hospital WellSpan, Gettysburg Lutheran Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Golden Living Center, Green Acres Adams County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Hanover Hospital, Hoffman Home, Inc., Homewood at Plum Creek, Lutheran Home Care Services, Mountain View OB/GYN, Waynesboro Hospital/Summit Health, St, James Lutheran Church Day Care Center, VNA WellSpan and York Hospital WellSpan.
HACC also offers a college-based practical nursing (PN) program at the Gettysburg Campus. In addition, the Harrisburg and Lancaster campuses of HACC provide registered nursing and practical nursing programs.
Gettysburg Campus registered nursing graduates who received their pins during the ceremony were: Christy Arentz, Biglerville; Sheila Briggs, Gettysburg; Laura Close, Hanover; Kelly Dewease, Hanover; Stephanie Greer, Gettysburg; Deanna Hyser, Gettysburg; Erika Kovacevic, Spring Grove; Jennifer Lang, Hanover; Jill Lau, Hanover; Heather Little, Hanover; Melissa Mummert, Abbottstown; Tina Ricker, Gettysburg; Andrea Sefcheck, Gettysburg; Ann Sirois, Hanover; Rabon Twyman, Hanover; Irene Villafuerte, Harrisburg; Dana Yealy, Hanover.