CASSADAGA – The collaboration between the Cassadaga Job Corps Academy and Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES School of Practical Nursing celebrated the latest class of graduate practical nurses recently at the Academy. The newly graduated nurses devoted the last 12 months to classroom lecture, skills development, clinical experiences and preparation for the NCLEX licensing exam. They arrived a year ago from all over the country, from as far away as Michigan, Minnesota, and Oklahoma to right here in Chautauqua County. Local students included Kelly Imhoff of Forestville, Alysha Wilson of Dunkirk and guest student Margaret Sweeney of Bemus Point. They now will begin to return home, begin working and finalize preparations to take a state exam.

The graduation ceremony, set in the Academy recreation center, began with the graduates and staff marching in, and placing lamps on a special pedestal, made by the carpentry class, at the front of the audience. Academic Manager Jennifer Hazelton served as mistress of ceremonies and greeted the graduates, family, friends and all in attendance.

Erie 2 BOCES District Superintendent David O’Rourke added his welcome, congratulated the graduates, and thanked the faculty for their hard work and dedication throughout the year.

Guest speaker, Ben Spitzer, superintendent of Chautauqua Lake Central Schools, delivered a heartfelt and sincere message to the graduates that “everyone has a story.” He shared three examples from his own life and the people in it who faced hardships and overcame adversity to become stronger and more knowledgeable. The difficult experiences did define who they are because they moved beyond them.

He said, “Our life is less about the story that has been written and far more about the next chapter we author. So as you walk across the stage today to receive your pins, look to the next chapter with excitement and promise. You will be writing your stories and helping others do the same.”

A special slide show, prepared by classmates Mark Angervil, Preston Ross and Ceth Gilmore, was shown to the class highlighting memorable moments throughout the year.

Finally each graduate was called to have his or her pin secured to the lapel of a white nursing uniform, and was presented with a gift and diploma.

Next, Valedictorian Daphnee Jean and Salutatorian Marshaniek Downey recited a special poem.

Cassadaga Job Corps Academy Director Ann Anderson concluded the ceremony, encouraging the graduates to be the best nurses they can possibly be.

She said, “I want you to be the nurse a patient asks for, not just because you are skilled and competent, but because you can provide that extra special attention and touch to really brighten a day and help someone when they need it the most.”

The Erie 2 BOCES School of Practical Nursing at the Cassadaga Job Corps Academy is now entering its tenth year. Dozens of men and women have begun nursing careers or moved on for continued education and training to advance a career. BOCES provides the instruction, skill development and clinical experiences, while Job Corps provides the scholarship to eligible students to attend, as well as supportive services throughout the training period. Upon graduation, Job Corps continues follow up and assist with placement services. For more information about the LPN program at the Cassadaga Job Corps Academy, contact the admissions office at 595-4298 or visit cassadaga.jobcorps.gov.