Hill College Nursing Program honors graduates in fall 2025 pinning ceremony

  Ashlee Ferguson
  Thursday, January 29, 2026 11:07 AM
  Academics

Hillsboro, TX

On Friday, December 12, 2025, the Hill College Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) Program held a pinning ceremony at the Vara Martin Daniel Performing Arts Center for the fall 2025 graduates at the Hill County Campus.  

This time-honored tradition signifies a student’s official initiation into the profession of nursing. The ceremony dates back to the 12th century when Florence Nightingale was awarded the Red Cross of Saint George in recognition for her service during the Crimean War.  

Graduates included Lizbeth Algeria, Casey Callahan, Jaquelin Carreon, Veronica Dunn, Evelin Espinoza, Trinity Glowski, Stephanie Lindeman, Alexis Marsh, Amy Martinez, Victoria Pierson-White, Veronica Quintana, Jacob Reyes, Meagan Roberts, Jennifer Salvador, Chassie Shelton, Anna Turrabiartes, Yaireth Urdaneta, and Shelbie Williams.  

The invocation was given by Kaela Terrazas, followed by a welcome from by the Interim Dean of Health & Public Service Kyle May. Heath Hutson served as the student speaker, and the recessional was performed by Kathy Trocolli. The presentation of awards was given by Vocational Nursing Director/Coordinator Hailey Kirkpatrick.   

“We are incredibly proud of the dedication, resilience, and growth our students demonstrate throughout the program. Their commitment to learning and patient care is truly inspiring. We look forward to seeing the compassionate, skilled nurses they are becoming and the positive impact they will make in healthcare. Their journey is just beginning, and we are honored to have been part of it,” said Hailey Kirkpatrick, vocational nursing director/coordinator.  

The Hill College LVN Program is ranked number 9 in the state by nursingschoolsalmanac.com. The Nursing Program—which includes the LVN Program, the ADN Program (associate degree in nursing), and the ADN to RN (registered nurses) pathway—currently has an overall program pass rate of 96.77% percent, which is above both the state and national averages. 

The LVN Program is a one-year, 47/48 credit-hour degree path that offers students quality, affordable education from one of the top-ranked accredited programs in Texas. It prepares students with the skills and knowledge to pass the National Council Licensure Examination with the opportunity to continue on to an associate degree in nursing (ADN).  

For more information on Hill College’s Nursing Program, visit www.hillcollege.edu/hps.