Submitted Photo The 33 graduates of the 2016 School of Practical Nursing of the Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES celebrated commencement recently in the Scharmann Theatre at Jamestown Community College. Back row standing: Instructor Amanda Merchant, David Price, Ryker Maddox, Angel Echevarria, Amy Nowell, Royal Attard, Megan Attard, Meagan Livermore, Mary O’Donnell, Celina Eggleston, Rachael Rugg, Brigetta Borkwoski and instructor Michelle Johnson-Anderson. Middle row: Amber Conklin, Alana Stafford, Shannon Patrizi, Dawn Johnson, Melissa Brown, Jessica Banes, Christina DeLong, Jolean Scott, Amber Lucas, Angela Ortiz, and Lacy Cabisca. Front row: Meagan Jude, Nicole Oste, Mara May Batson, Mary Jane Mizner, Chelsey Johnson, Danielle Parker, Amber Caylor, Tyrina Wheaton, Breanna Crouse, Ashley LaPlante, and Elizabeth Heston.

JAMESTOWN — One by one they filed into the Scharmann Theatre at Jamestown Community College, each clad in a pristine, starch-white uniform and clutching a perfect yellow rose before taking their seats on stage.

The 33 graduates of the 2016 School of Practical Nursing of the Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES gathered with loved ones for their commencement ceremony capping off an arduous, year-long journey to becoming nurses. The significance of the yellow roses was explained as a “promise of a new beginning,” a symbol of their fresh start in a new field. The students were from all over Chautauqua County.

E2CCB staff member Jenell Chase welcomed the attendees and gave thanks to the Board of Education, administration and the instructors and staff of the School of Practical Nursing before acknowledging the dedication necessary to successfully complete the at-times grueling path to graduation.

“You’ve supported them through all their trials this year,” Chase said to the families. “And we welcome you to share this joyful occasion. Today we celebrate their successes – they made it.”

Nursing instructor Michelle Johnson-Anderson then said a few words before introducing guest speaker Linda Nelson, a nurse at WCA Hospital, who served as a mentor to the students.

Nelson has been a nurse for more than 35 years and worked with the E2CCB students on their maternity rotation. Fittingly, she compared the students’ journey to becoming nurses to the journey of pregnancy, labor, delivery and child-rearing. “Approximately a year ago you all made the conscious decision to begin a new life,” said Nelson. “You took a test, it was positive and you were accepted into the nursing program. Although you were excited, you were a little bit nervous.”

She vividly described their discomfort and perseverance in pursuing their studies, the brain-building nourishment provided by the instructors and ultimately their minds developing and hearts becoming stronger.

“I’m sure, especially in later stages of your studies –just like pregnancy — you thought it would never end,” she said, eliciting laughs before congratulating them on their “birthday” as they take the Nurse’s Pledge and symbolically cut the cord and graduate.

Nelson told the grads that the nursing program means the world to her and passed on some advice.

“Find skills and different skills within the scope of your nursing license as much as you can,” said Nelson, urging them to pursue more certifications and new experiences. “Become a more valuable employee.”

Instructor Amanda Merchant then began the presentation of awards by acknowledging valedictorian Mary O’Donnell, who graduated with a 98 percent average, and salutatorian Celina Eggleston, who finished with a 96 percent average.

“As nurses we measure achievement by a different scale,” said Merchant. “By the effect we have on our patients, in those around us, by the personal growth we see in ourselves and each other, by the good that is done.”

Four other students — Amber Caylor, Angel Echevarria, Megan Livermore and Ryker Maddox — all graduated with averages of 90 percent and above.

“Nursing is not easy,” said O’Donnell, in her valedictorian speech. “One of the most important things we learned from our instructors is that good grades will never mean good nurses. Although nursing knowledge is important, they also instilled in us compassion the importance of community, integrity, dependability and a good work ethic. I don’t think I could have been part of a class more qualified.”

O’Donnell went on to thank E2CCB staff members for all their hard work and “endless patience” behind the scenes, as well as the families who supported the classmates on their educational journey at the Jones Hill Memorial Health Care Center. “Congratulations to an amazing class of future nurses,” she said. “May you have a positive impact on every life you touch.”

The speeches were followed by the presentation of scholarships and awards.

Scholarships and awards:

¯ Marianne Carpenter Memorial Scholarship: Meagan Livermore and Tyrina Wheaton

¯ Margarete E Nelson Scholarship: Ryker Maddox

¯ Joan C Chiappetta Scholarship for a Career in Practical Nursing: Melissa Brown

¯ Jamestown School of Practical Nursing Scholarship: Mary O’Donnell

¯ Clinical Excellence Award: Jolean Scott and Ashley LaPlante

¯ Achievement Award: Dawn Johnson, Royal Attard and Angel Echevarria

¯ Humanitarian Award: Breanna Crouse, David Price and Christina DeLong

The commencement concluded with the handing out of diplomas, the pin ceremony and the group recitation of the Nurse’s Pledge. The graduates and their families then enjoyed cake, punch and photo opportunities in the theatre lobby.

Learn more about the E2CCB School of Practical nursing at www.e2ccb.org.

About Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES

The Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus (E2CC) BOCES is one of 37 BOCES in New York State. The E2CC BOCES represents all the school districts in Chautauqua County, southern Erie County, and part of Cattaraugus County, a geographical area of 1,791 square miles. Services are offered in the following areas: Adult & Community Education, Special Education, Alternative Education, Career & Technical Education, Staff & Curriculum Development, Instructional Support Services, Technology Services, Management Services, and others. For more information, visit www.e2ccb.org.