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Nunez Community College celebrated its Spring 2023 Practical Nursing graduates with a Pinning Ceremony May 16 in the Nunez Auditorium. Pictured are, front row from left, Allison Verdin, Pamela Johnson, Barbara Johnson, Diamond Tate, Jeannette Patterson and Brittany Dickerson. On the second row are Chalicia Grear, Alexis Gierlings, Nina Rizzuto, Cecilia Barbry, Alieha Pacaccio, Michale Harris and Megan Dubuc. Photo courtesy of Raymar Photography
The Practical Nursing program at Nunez celebrated 14 graduates during its Spring 2023 Pinning Ceremony on May 16.
In an emotional ceremony that took place just days after the tragic passing of graduate JaDiamond Jones, PN graduates and faculty experienced mixed emotions as they celebrated in the absence of their beloved classmate. JaDiamond’s mother, Jewel Trim, who is herself a 2018 graduate of the Nunez PN program, walked in her daughter’s place during the ceremony and accepted the Spirit Award on her daughter’s behalf.
The Spirit Award recipient is chosen by the students in the graduating class months prior to graduation to spotlight the classmate who has motivated their class and kept up morale during the challenging program.
“Basically, this person is the class cheerleader,” said Nunez Nursing Director Brittney Zaffuto while introducing the Spirit Award on stage. “This semester the vote for the Spirit Award was unanimous.”
JaDiamond was described by her classmates as “always positive,” someone who “came to class every day with a smile,” and as an impromptu tutor, taking to the white board in class prior to tests to review notes with her classmates. She was also known for regularly recording TikToks on her phone in the nursing classrooms, recruiting her fellow PN classmates to participate in dances.
“No one is a better fit for the Spirit Award,” wrote one classmate of JaDiamond.
Two more awards were presented during the ceremony, with the Florence Nightingale Award going to Pamela Johnson and the Academic Achievement Award going to Alexis Gierlings.
The Florence Nightingale Award is named for the woman considered to be the founder of modern nursing. The award recipient is chosen by the nursing instructors and is awarded to the graduate who best demonstrates the qualities of Florence Nightingale. Pamela was described by her nursing instructors as, “someone who takes pride in being a nursing student. She was noted to be professional and knowledgeable.”
The Academic Achievement Award is presented to the graduate with the highest GPA in all nursing courses.
The graduating class included:
Cecilia Barbry of Slidell
Brittany Dickerson of New Orleans
Megan Dubuc of Metairie
Alexis Gierlings of Slidell
Chalicia Grear of Westwego
Michale Harris of Metairie
Barbara Johnson of Marrero
Pamela Johnson of Slidell
JaDiamond Jones of New Orleans
Alieha Pacaccio of Chalmette
Jeannette Patterson of Marrero
Nina Rizzuto of St. Bernard
Diamond Tate of Chalmette
Allison Verdin of Marrero
Pictures of the pinning ceremony can be found on the Nunez Facebook page.
Registration is currently open for the Fall 2023 term at Nunez.edu. Classes begin Aug. 15.
About Nunez Community College
Nunez Community College is a student-centered institution that delivers relevant and innovative curriculum integrating the arts, sciences, and humanities leading to academic credentials and workforce opportunities. Nunez serves a vital role in the community by engaging with partners to support student success and personal growth. Nunez Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees, technical diplomas, and certificates. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Nunez Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org). Nunez is located at 3710 Paris Road, Chalmette, LA. For more information, visit www.nunez.edu.
