Hill College celebrates nursing graduates with time-honored pinning ceremony
Ashlee Ferguson
Wednesday, June 24, 2026 3:34 PM
Academics
Hillsboro, TX
On May 15, 2026, Hill College celebrated graduates from the Associate Nursing Degree (ADN) and the Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) and Paramedic to ADN Transition programs with the time-honored pinning ceremony.
“As another year comes to a close for our ADN, LVN to RN, and Paramedic to RN Transition classes, we proudly celebrate the many accomplishments of these dedicated students. Their commitment, perseverance, and hard work have led them to this important milestone,” said Director of Nursing Dr. Dawn Cox. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the families and loved ones who supported them along the way. Your encouragement and sacrifices have played a vital role in their success. We wish each graduate continued success and fulfillment as they begin or advance in their nursing careers.”
Two ceremonies were held this year, one for the ADN graduates and one for the LVN and Paramedic to ADN Transition graduates.
ADN graduates included: Stephanie Cooper, Elizabeth Godwin, Diana Gonzalez, Emilie Grubbs, Liz James, Hailey Jenkins, Tanya Johnson, Mason Lyon, Karen Mancilla, Candace Nava, Elizabeth Pearson, Kevin Prater, Isys Pyles, Hailey Rindahl, Kalei Salas, Nora Salihu, Kylie Tune, Jessie Underwood, Shelby Virgil, Jentri Wallace, and Bethany Weis.
ADN transition graduates included: Alysha Blair, Louis Buscarino, Chelsea Carnes, Marigney Castleberry, Line Cheudjieu Sonfack, Shelbie Conley, Diana Cottrell, Jason Doss, Mirakle Farias, Brittany Harrison, LaSaundra Holman, Stephanie Jacinto, Keslande Joseph, Melissa King, Justing Moore, Bryan Najera, Mariana Navarro, Diana Onchonga, Candace Pando, Danielle Prisco, Lusuri Ramirez, Kyndel Redden, Presley Richmond, Brenda Russell, La Schiltz, Eddie Schrader, Iris Verduzco, Alexis White, Ross Winters, Tameka Wright, and Jamie Young.
Isys Pyles and Iris Verduzco gave the invocations for the respective programs with a welcome by Dean of Health & Public Service Dr. Joshua Tarbay. Tanya Johnson and Edward Schrader served as student speakers; the recessional was performed by Kathy Trocolli. The presentation of awards was given by Director of Nursing Dr. Dawn Cox.
The pinning ceremony signifies a student’s official initiation into the profession of nursing. The ceremony, which dates to the 12th century when Florence Nightingale was awarded the Red Cross of Saint George in recognition for her service during the Crimean War, is a symbolic illustration of the responsibilities and oath nurses promise to uphold throughout their careers.
The ADN Program at Hill College is a two-year, 60-hour degree plan that prepares students to enter the nursing field as a registered nurse (RN). The LVN Program is a one-year, 47/48 credit-hour degree path that offers quality education and training to students interested in the nursing profession with smaller class sizes, translating to more one-on-one time with instructors.
The ADN transition program for those who already have an unencumbered Texas LVN license and/or Texas Paramedic certification/licensure for those interested in continuing their career and becoming an RN. The three-semester program is offered as a combination of online classes with in-person exams and clinicals, allowing working students a flexible learning experience.
The Hill College Nursing Program has maintained an above-average pass rate of the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX), which certifies students to enter the professional world of nursing. Graduates have continued to exceed both state and national average pass rates. According to the Texas Board of Nursing, Hill College graduates have maintained an 87.5% pass rate over the last five years.
The registration deadline for the upcoming ADN and LVN programs is July 1, 2026. Registration for the 2027–2028 ADN Transition Program will open this coming fall.
For more information on the Nursing Program at Hill College, visit the Health & Public Service at hillcollege.edu.