Nunez Community College celebrated 32 future nurses on Dec. 12 during the college’s Fall 2024 Practical Nursing Pinning Ceremony at the Harbor Center in Slidell.

Graduates included:
Charla Bell of Chalmette
Brieon Bentley of New Orleans
Ronise Braud of Harvey
Courtney Bienemy Brownell of Violet
Jinel Brooks-Hunter of Marrero
Belynda Brown of Hattiesburg, Miss.
Keitriane Brown of Metairie
Derriyell Carter of Chalmette
Celine Clark of Ponchatoula
Daejeanae Clayton of Harvey
Michelle duTreil of Gretna
Sara Fernandez    of Harvey
Glennell Foster of New Orleans
Andrea Gilmore of Gretna
T'Shonna Harvey of New Orleans
Shelsea Hernandez of Chalmette
Trevalta Jackson of New Orleans
Tabitha James of Covington
Jasmine Jeff of Slidell
Jaleesa Johnson of Slidell
Keaire Jones of Harvey
Santina Jones of Marrero
Sonia Mones Landry of Braithwaite
Seandre Napoleon of New Orleans
Ieshea Norris of New Orleans
Gwenett O'Quin of Slidell
Leylah Rivera of New Orleans
Nicole Sergutin of Chalmette
Jealesa Smiles of Violet
Sade' Smith of Covington
Asia Starks of Harvey
Christina Vasquez of Gretna

The Academic Achievement Award for highest GPA in all nursing courses was awarded to Sara Fernandez.

The Florence Nightingale Award, chosen by the faculty to recognize the student who demonstrates the qualities of the founder of modern nursing, was awarded to Leylah Rivera.

“Leylah is described as having a helpful demeanor and as being the very essence of what it means to be a Nightingale Nurse. She displays a strong example of caring, concern, and advocacy for her patients. She has shown us dedication to the profession of nursing, just as Florence Nightingale dedicated her life to the nursing profession,” said Brittney Zaffuto, Nunez Nursing Director.

The Spirit Award, chosen by the students of the graduating class to recognize the classmate who has motivated them and kept their spirits up, basically the class cheerleader, was awarded to Derriyell Carter.

“Derriyell is described by her peers as someone who always brings joy to a room,” said Zaffuto. “Her peers stated that if they were having a bad day, after spending a little bit of time with her, she would have them laughing so much that their face hurt. Her jokes and stories are unmatched. She is described as bubbly, positive, and uplifting, always helping and motivating her classmates. She would even pray with her classmates when needed. Her classmates say she’s witty and someone who was able to make the classroom a fun place to be.”

Applications and registration for the Spring 2025 semester are open now at Nunez.edu. Classes begin Jan. 14.

Students starting this spring can take prerequisite courses in order to apply for admission to the Practical Nursing program in Fall 2025.

Students requiring assistance applying or registering for classes should visit Nunez.edu/Advising to contact Nunez’s Student Success Team.

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.