News Photo by Kayla Wikaryasz On Wednesday, Tom LaFleche gives Ava Crawford her nurse’s pin during the Alpena Community College Nursing Pinning Ceremony. Each student graduating from the ACC nursing program was given their pins by family, friends, or faculty members.

ALPENA – Just in time for National Nurses Week, 42 students from the Alpena Community College nursing program received their nurse pins on Wednesday, marking the completion of their nursing degrees.

Kelli Leask, director of nursing at ACC, explained that there are a few different paths students can take to earn their nursing degree at ACC.

“We work with our high schools…(students) can take some of the (prerequisite) classes in their 13th year in order to prepare them for our LPN program,” Leask said. “Our (Licensed Practical Nurse) LPN program is one year long, and our (Registered Nurse) RN program is two years… the RN program is a rigorous program, but again, within two years, we can have 24 (students graduate).”

Leask noted the important qualities that individuals should have when considering nursing as a profession.

“A nurse exemplifies caring and compassion for people…(it is a) serving profession…(nurses) serve others,” Leask said. “They put others before themselves. We have a great leader in nursing…her name was Florence Nightingale…and she wrote a book about nursing being an art.”

Wednesday evening, ACC nursing graduates filled the ACC gymnasium with their family and friends to receive their nursing pins and ceremonially mark the transition of their nursing journey from student to health care practitioner.

At the beginning of the ceremony, Leask explained the significance and tradition of the nurse pinning ceremony, which began in 1916, that all nurses experience at the completion of their studies.

“The pinning ceremony marks the important transition from student to nurse,” Leask said.

Further, Leask noted the significance of this year’s pins, which are symbolic of the Agius family and their scholarship fund for ACC students pursuing nursing. The scholarship is in memory of Taylor Agius, an Alpena native and a pediatric nurse, who died in April 2024.

“The nursing pin is also representative of a special nurse,” Leask said. “One who dedicated her life, her short life, to our honorable profession.”

Leask explained that the nurses’ pins are inscribed with Agius’ initials and a heart.

“The heart is significant because it is how (Agius) always signed her name and how she lived her life,” Leask said.

In conclusion, Leask told the graduating class to lean on human connection as they go forward in their nursing careers.

“It is your best resource to make a greater difference in the lives you will intertwine with and encounter,” Leask said. “The human connection that sees you through life’s challenges is also present to celebrate each of your successes.”

After the nurses received their pins, student speakers were invited to the stage to recognize their peers, faculty, alumni, and those who supported their academic journey.

Makenna Fessler, the Student Nurses Association (SNA) president and RN graduate, recognized donations made by the association to ACC and further recognized the hard work and dedication of her graduating peers.

“Our families, friends…mentors and classmates, your encouragement, patience, and belief in us meant everything,” Fessler said. “Without your support, none of this would have been possible. So thank you, everyone, from the bottom of our hearts. We couldn’t have done this without you.”

Ashley Parker, an LPN graduate, took the stage to reflect on the journey that her cohort has experienced through the ACC program and what the future holds.

“Many of us wondered how we would balance school, family, work, and life,” Parker said. “And yet here we are stronger, smarter, and filled with purpose. Becoming a nurse isn’t just about learning anatomy, or passing exams, or learning medication. It’s about compassion, resilience, and showing up even on the hardest days.”

Nichole Bammel, an RN graduate, thanked her classmates and noted how each one enhanced her time in the nursing program. She candidly ended her speech with a quote from Dr. Seuss:

“So be sure when you step, step with care and great tact. And remember that life’s a great balancing act. And will you succeed? Yes, you will, indeed. Ninety-eight and three-quarters percent, guaranteed. You’re off to great places, today is your day. Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way.”

Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.