Largest Practical Nursing Cohort in OFTC History Pinned During December Ceremony

Twenty Oconee Fall Line Technical College (OFTC) Practical Nursing students were honored during the college’s December Pinning Ceremony on the Dublin Campus, Tuesday, Dec. 9. This was the largest graduating cohort of Practical Nursing students in college history.  

Each December, OFTC hosts the ceremony to mark the completion of the educational requirements needed for graduates to sit for the state board licensure examination and to welcome them into the nursing profession.  

“These outstanding students have navigated a rigorous journey, persevering through countless hours of demanding study and intensive clinical practice,” OFTC President Erica Harden said. “Their dedication to the nursing profession has been truly unwavering.  

“As we celebrate this transition, we recall the wisdom of Florence Nightingale, who wrote of the enduring impact of small acts of kindness in patient care — gestures that profoundly enhance healing. I am confident that our graduates will embody this spirit of compassion and excellence as they officially embark upon their nursing careers.”  

The tradition of the nursing pinning ceremony dates back to the Crusades, when members of the Knight Hospitallers were honored with Maltese crosses after caring for wounded soldiers. In the 1860s, Florence Nightingale continued the tradition by recognizing students who completed nursing training with pins.  

During the ceremony, each graduating nurse received a pin, lit the ceremonial candle, and recited the Nightingale Pledge.  

PN students led the program, with JaNiyah Stephens and Irianna Moss addressing their fellow graduates and reflecting on the journey they shared over the past year.  

“It has been such an honor to witness the growth of these students from advisement to graduation,” said Kerrie Fountain, OFTC Practical Nursing instructor. “They have gone from students who dreamed of becoming nurses to now becoming our colleagues. We can’t wait to see what wonderful nurses these graduates become.” 

Graduating Nurses 

Lakecia Boynton, Soperton 

Charlene Bracewell, Dublin 

Cole Cauley, Soperton 

Paris Davis, Warner Robins 

Alana Dixon, Alamo 

Paige Oxley, Eastman 

Chakerria Floyd, Bonaire 

Alliyah Ford, Milledgeville 

Mica Gillis, East Dublin 

Destiny Hall, Milledgeville 

Kaylee Boone, Milan 

Danisha Lewis, Sparta 

Irianna Moss, Cochran 

Victoria Powell, Dublin 

Yolanda Richardson, Mitchell 

Anaye Shiver, Dudley 

Robdricka Stanley, East Dublin 

JaNiyah Stephens, Warner Robins 

Tierra Thompson, Warner Robins 

Brittany White, Eastman 

For more information about OFTC’s Nursing programs, visit OFTC.edu.