Practical nurses honored at BOCES graduation ceremony

Goshen — The Orange-Ulster BOCES Practical Nursing Program graduated twenty-six practical nurses recently. The new nurses were honored in a candlelight ceremony celebrating the culmination of more than 1100 hours in classroom, lab and clinical instruction. New York State Assemblywomen Aileen Gunther and Annie Rabbitt were on hand to address the class and their families and friends who filled the auditorium at the Orange-Ulster BOCES Special Education Center in Goshen. They praised the nurses for their noble career choice and spoke of the critical need in the region for skilled health care providers. Richard Mayfield, press representative for the Orange County Executive’s Office spoke on behalf of County Executive Edward Diana. Jennie Carlucci, RN, MPA who owns and operates the Carlucci Home for Senior Ladies, addressed the class, and representatives from The Valley View Center for Nursing Care and Elant were also on hand to celebrate the graduates. The ceremony was highlighted with student speaker Nichole Conklin of Middletown who addressed the audience on behalf of her classmates. Regina Ellson of Port Jervis received the Outstanding Academic Award, while Asharie Green of Middletown was the recipient of the Outstanding Clinical Award. The Orange-Ulster BOCES Practical Nursing Program is approved by the New York State Education Department Board of Regents. The objective of the program is to provide students with the opportunity to acquire nursing knowledge and skills and to meet the requirements necessary to sit for the New York State Board Examination in Practical Nursing. The graduates gained an in-depth understanding of health across the continuum, age-specific care, basic needs of patients and the role and responsibilities of the practical nurse in all health care settings. The graduating class included Nichole Conklin, Adelaida Cruz, Sherry DeGroat, Regina Ellson, Victoria Emanuele, Veronica Feist, Nina Foley, Sharon Foody, Asharie Green, Amanda Harris, Kimberly Hart, Marie Hochteil, Kimberly Howard, Dorothy James, Rebecca Johnson, Tierrah Joyner, Ludva Paul, Allison Perotta, Kimberley Price Reed, Kelli Ramsey, Betty Jo Reuter, Sonya Rivera, Tina Ruud, Tracy Thollot, Crystal Towers and Anthony Valentia.