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Lacombe, LA — Northshore Technical Community College (NTCC) proudly celebrated the accomplishments of its Nursing and Allied Health students with a series of Pinning Ceremonies held across the Northshore region from December 8–16, 2025. These ceremonies honored graduates from the Practical Nursing (PN), Medical Assistant–to–Practical Nurse (MA-to-PN), and Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN-RN) programs as they reached significant milestones in their healthcare education and prepared to enter the workforce.
The pinning tradition—an honored rite of passage in nursing for more than a century—symbolizes the transition from student to compassionate caregiver. Each ceremony reflected the dedication, resilience, and professionalism of NTCC students as they step into essential roles within Louisiana’s growing healthcare system.
“This past week’s pinning ceremonies marked a meaningful celebration of dedication, resilience, and achievement for NTCC nursing students,” said Britanie Breland, Director of the School of Nursing & Health Sciences. “Guided by NTCC’s mission to serve our community, these graduates exemplify our commitment to preparing compassionate, highly skilled healthcare professionals ready to meet the needs of the Northshore. NTCC is deeply grateful for the continued support of our partner hospitals and healthcare facilities, whose collaboration plays a vital role in strengthening nursing education across the region. Through the generous provision of clinical placements, classroom space, and essential equipment, these partners help support the growth and success of our nursing programs.”
This December marked a significant milestone for the College, with one of the largest graduating nursing cohorts in NTCC history—109 Practical Nursing graduates and 16 Registered Nursing graduates—underscoring the institution’s continued investment in expanding the local healthcare workforce.
NTCC began the week of celebrations on December 8 as students from the Hammond Area Campus, Livingston Campus, and Sullivan Campus were recognized for completing the Practical Nursing (PN) Program, a rigorous curriculum combining classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory training, and clinical rotations. Graduates recognized during this ceremony included Aaliyah Alexander, Heather Allen, Lia Allotto, Brandy Baham, Nicole Barnett, Niyah Bijou, Destiny Chapman, Kaleigh Dudoussat, Teresa Ellington, Milissa Fitzpatrick, Bryla Gordon, Samaj Harrell, Chikita Johnson, Eleja Lewis, Shalonda Lott, Cheyenne Martinell, Ramona Poole, Angel Richardson, Brittney Ruffin, Sandra Scott, Titeuna Washington.
On December 9, students in NTCC’s Medical Assistant–to–Practical Nurse (MA-to-PN) Program, offered in partnership with Ochsner Health, were honored during their pinning ceremony. This accelerated pathway allows certified medical assistants to build on their existing clinical experience while advancing into practical nursing roles. Graduates recognized included Lisa Anderson, Cathy Parker Bowser, Gabrielle Brown, Dina Gonzales, Brandy Hollins, Whitney Marek, Octavia Oaties, Andrea Ross, Veda Saladino, and Lanesha West.
The celebration continued on December 10 with the Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN-RN) Pinning Ceremony, honoring graduates from NTCC’s Lacombe Campus. The ASN program prepares students to become Registered Nurses (RNs), professionals responsible for comprehensive patient care, leadership, and coordination within healthcare teams. Graduates recognized included Kayla Bailey, Maria Bergeron, Dane Breazeale, Brandie Causey, Imana Davis, Kelsey Ernst, Chelsea Johnson, Sarah Misenheimer, Amanda Orlando, Brooke Pellegrin, Ariel Potter, Valorie Schneider, Chad Silvan, Kameron Van Allen, Alexis Wadsworth, and Natalie Womack.
“This ceremony represents far more than the completion of a program—it reflects resilience, service, and a calling to care for others,” said Dr. James Foley, ASN Program Director and Associate Professor. “The ASN Class of December 2025 has demonstrated exceptional determination and heart, and we are incredibly proud of the nurses they are becoming.”
Throughout their education at NTCC, these graduates completed extensive classroom instruction, hands-on laboratory training, and clinical experiences across a wide range of healthcare settings—demonstrating discipline, teamwork, and an unwavering commitment to learning.
The final pinning ceremony was held on December 16, recognizing additional graduates from NTCC’s MA-to-PN Program, offered in partnership with North Oaks Health System. Graduates from this ceremony included Delice Alexander, Therese Alexander, Enola Barze, Katelyn Bravata, Kourtney Cleveland, Georgetta Coins, Anayshia Courtney, Latoya Eley, Madison Levatino, Jalaya McCoy, Amanda Ockman, Le’Nhyia Sims, Tasha Smith, Ky’Jalyn Toefield, Tyceunte’ Varnado, Tykacchii Williams, Elisa Womack, and Jennifer Woolf.
“We are thrilled to graduate 125 nurses into the workforce on the Northshore,” said Christi Marceaux, Dean of the School of Nursing & Health Sciences. “We truly live our mission of building futures, and the futures of these nurse graduates—and nursing on the Northshore—are very bright.”
Together, these ceremonies highlight NTCC’s ongoing commitment to developing a strong, highly trained healthcare workforce. The College’s School of Nursing & Health Sciences continues to offer accessible, high-quality programs that support students in reaching their professional goals while meeting the evolving needs of hospitals, clinics, and community health partners across the region.
