News

New nurses pinned in BRCC graduation ceremony

By Lightning Reports, Published: December 12, 2025

Blue Ridge Community College’s Practical Nursing graduates gathered on campus on Wednesday to celebrate their accomplishments at the second annual Practical Nurse Pinning Ceremony.

Launched two years ago, the BRCC program provides a new quick-start pathway into the nursing profession.

“This is our second cohort in this rapidly growing program, and we could not be more proud,” Blue Ridge Community College President Laura Leatherwood said. “Practical Nursing is one of the newest additions to our healthcare pathways, and it is quickly helping to meet a great need in our local healthcare workforce.”

The one-year Practical Nursing program allows students a fast entry into the nursing profession. Upon graduation, students are prepared to take the NCLEX-PN licensure exam, a requirement for practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse.

The Practical Nursing program is also fully compatible with the Associate Degree Nursing program, which prepares students for careers as registered nurses. This year, Blue Ridge also announced a new LPN-to-RN bridge program, designed to help licensed practical nurses transition to registered nurses. The new bridge program will launch its first cohort in the summer of 2026.

Dean of Health Sciences Leigh Angel thanked donor Paul Young, who gave $1 million to the BRCC Educational Foundation in support of nursing programs.

“This program holds a meaningful place in the Young family’s heart because of the exceptional nursing care their loved one, Renee, received," Angel said. The compassion shown to her left a lasting imprint on Mr. Young and his family, one so meaningful that they chose to support our nursing programs in her memory. Their generosity strengthens our students, our faculty, and the excellence we strive for each day. And each time I speak with Mr. Young and his family, I am reminded of how deeply a nurse’s kindness can shape the lives of patients and those who love them. Graduates, I hope you will carry forward that same spirit of compassion and integrity throughout your careers.”

At the ceremony, graduates participated in the Lantern Tradition, which uses light to symbolize providing help and hope to those in need. 

The graduating class also recited the Nurse’s Pledge, which begins: “In full knowledge of the obligation I am undertaking, I promise to care for the sick with all the skills and understanding I possess.”

Graduate speakers Faith Jenkins and Eden Sparks shared about their journey on behalf of their classmates. Instructor Amanda Lambert also shared a congratulatory message. Graduates pinned at the ceremony were Soleil Ayers, Yuridia (Yuri) Chagala-Gallardo, Ashton Collins, Karon (Kay) Edge, Mayra Cortez-Fuentes, Cassandra (Cassie) Goodrich, Ian Havey, Carolyn Hinchey, Kimberly Hoffman, Faith Jenkins, Taylor Messer, Justin Munger, Heather Parton, Nicole Solano-Islas and Eden Sparks.

Information about all of Blue Ridge Community College’s healthcare programs is available at www.blueridge.edu/healthcare. Practical Nursing program information is provided at www.blueridge.edu/practical-nursing.