May 9, 2025

R-CCC Honors 2025 Nursing Graduates at Pinning Ceremony

 

AHOSKIE, NC –Roanoke-Chowan Community College (R-CCC) celebrated the accomplishments of its Associate Degree Nursing graduates during the annual Nurses Pinning Ceremony on May 1, at Carpenter’s Shop Church. ADN graduates honored during the ceremony include Blake Bolton, Jahnecia Chamblee, Amanda Flythe, Haven Hoggard, Ashley Jernigan, Anna Jones, Dynasia Lassiter, Allie Leggette, Angel Rankins and Cameron Wallace.

The event marked a significant milestone in the journey of the graduating class, symbolizing their transition from students to professional nurses. 

R-CCC President Dr. Murray J. Williams opened the ceremony with a message of encouragement and pride.

“We honor your years of dedication, resilience and compassion that have brought each of you to this threshold of the nursing profession,” Williams said. “You’re entering a profession that is ever-evolving, demanding both skill and compassion in equal measure.”

This year’s keynote address was delivered by Annette Thompson, BSN, RN, a nursing faculty member at R-CCC with more than 40 years of bedside experience. The evening also marked Thompson’s second retirement from the college.

Thompson opened her remarks with a central question: “Why? Why are we here today?”

She continued, “The answer is we get to be here. You get to take care of people who are in all sorts of situations – acute illness, chronic illness, transitioning to home, assisted care, to the next life. You’ll get to use your skills and talents to meet the needs of the people who have been placed in your path.”

Thompson encouraged graduates to consider the gifts they bring to their patients and to approach each day with gratitude and purpose. Citing Esther 4:14, she concluded, “You were made for such a time as this. God has a plan for each of you and has placed you in specific situations. You’re uniquely positioned and equipped to address the challenges and circumstances placed in your path.”
A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the DAISY Award for outstanding clinical excellence and compassionate care, established by The DAISY Foundation in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Dee-Dee Morris, vice president and chief nursing officer at ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital, presented the 2025 award to graduate Allie Leggette.

The Keeper of the Flame Award, which recognizes a rising senior who demonstrates leadership, compassion and academic excellence, was passed from last year’s recipient, Amanda Flythe, to Latoya Watson.

The pinning ceremony is a time-honored tradition in the nursing profession, symbolizing the readiness of graduates to serve their communities with integrity, heart and clinical skill.

 

 

Roanoke-Chowan Community College’s Mission

Roanoke-Chowan Community College, a member of the North Carolina Community College System and located in Hertford County, is a public, two-year institution of higher education offering associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, college and career readiness, and customized business and industry training in a variety of delivery modes promoting public service, transfer, and workforce development for a diverse student body, leading them to contribute to the vitality of an increasingly global community. www.roanokechowan.edu #DiscoverRCCC “Where community and careers connect”

Media Contact: Melanie Temple, Director of Marketing & Recruitment/PIO, metemple7181@roanokechowan.edu, 252-862-1243