MADISON, FL – In a celebration rooted in compassion, tradition and rural resilience, North Florida
College recognized the accomplishments of its nursing graduates during two heartfelt
Pinning and Lamp Lighting Ceremonies held August 5 at the Van H. Priest Auditorium.
The ceremonies honored graduates from three distinct programs— Bachelor of Science
in Nursing (BSN), Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN), and the LPN to RN Bridge program
marking their transition from nursing students to professional caregivers.
The Heart of Rural Care
The first ceremony, held at 2 p.m., brought together graduates from the BSN and LPN
programs alongside their families, instructors, and mentors. At 4 p.m., the LPN to
RN Bridge ceremony followed, recognizing those who returned to school to elevate their
credentials and deepen their impact on local healthcare.
Dr. Anna Kelley, Director of NFC’s Nursing and Allied Health programs, opened both
ceremonies with words of pride and encouragement. “Our graduates are stepping into
roles that rural North Florida desperately needs,” said Dr. Kelley. “They represent
not just academic excellence, but a calling to care.”
Both ceremonies included the recitation of the Nightingale Pledge, the symbolic lighting
of lamps and the emotional presentation of pins by family members, mentors, and clinical
partners.
A Tradition of Support and Strength
At the 2 p.m. ceremony, LPN graduate Erica Hampton led the invocation, while LPN graduate
Mariela Garcia-Rendon introduced guest speaker Ashley Bell, MSN, RN, a member of NFC’s
nursing faculty. Award presentations followed, highlighting leadership, academic achievement,
and service.
Standout honorees included:
LPN Program Awards
· Academic Achievement: Tarra Seifert, Suwannee County
· Keeper of the Light: Markeasha Robinson, Taylor County
· Nightingale Award of Excellence: Erica Hampton, Madison County
· Leaps and Bounds Award: Tarra Seifert, Suwannee County
· South Georgia Medical Center Award: Jessika Johnson, Lowndes County
BSN Program Awards
· Leadership in Management: Athena Duran, Madison County
· Outstanding BSN: Mackenzi Bochnia, Madison County
The 4 p.m. LPN to RN Bridge ceremony featured guest speaker Ashley Haynes, MSN, RN,
and recognized the graduates’ drive to continue their education while often balancing
work, family, and community commitments.
LPN to RN Bridge Program Awards
· Academic Achievement: Amanda Thomas, Taylor County
· Keeper of the Light: Jade Owens, Taylor County
· Nightingale Award of Excellence: Marica Stevens, Madison County
· Nursing Leadership: Jade Owens, Taylor County
· South Georgia Medical Center Award: Lindsay Mills, Taylor County
Student speakers Lindsay Mills and Zae Miller gave heartfelt remarks that captured
the spirit of the class, and the deep bonds formed through their journey.
Lighting the Way for North Florida
More than a ceremony, the events symbolized the light each graduate carries into the
world, especially into the hospitals, clinics and care centers that serve North Florida’s
rural communities.
For more information about North Florida College’s Nursing and Allied Health programs,
visit www.nfc.edu/academics/career-and-workforce/allied-health
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NFC BSN and LPN students
NFC LPN Lighting of the Lamps
NFC LPN to RN Bridge Fall 2025