News Photo by Reagan Voetberg Megan Apker, left, receives her pin at Wednesday’s night’s pinning ceremony at Alpena Community College. Apker, along with 29 classmates, graduated with her Registered Nurse Associate’s degree. Five graduates earned their Licensed Practical Nurse Certificates. A pinning ceremony is a traditional way for nursing students to celebrate their transition into the profession.

ALPENA — The nursing students at the Alpena Community College celebrated pinning on Wednesday night, as each of the 30 RN students and five LPN students received their nursing pins, which were presented by friends or family that are nurses, or a member of the college’s nursing program staff.

The event kicked off with the graduates strolling to their seats with smiles on their faces and applause from those who attended to support them.

After the new nurses were seated, ACC President and Director of Nursing Chanda Zbytowski presented opening remarks and Laura Hoffman offered the invocation.

McMaster then addressed the graduates before they each had their moment on stage to receive their pin and congratulations from the College staff and board of trustee members.

After everyone returned to their seats, RN graduates Lacey Kitter and Christine Murray and LPN graduate Jessica Hardwick gave brief speeches.

The event closed with the new nurses taking the Nightingale Pledge.