Hill College celebrates summer nursing graduates with traditional pinning ceremony

  Ashlee Ferguson
  Tuesday, August 25, 2026 9:19 AM
  Academics

Hillsboro, TX

On August 6, 2026, Hill College celebrated graduates from the Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) Program with the time-honored pinning ceremony. 

“The pinning ceremony marks the beginning of a rewarding journey of service and compassion. We congratulate our graduates on this achievement and are proud to welcome them into the nursing profession. Their dedication and commitment to patient care will make a lasting difference in the communities they serve,” said Director of Nursing Dr. Dawn Cox. 

Graduates included Gracie Anderle, Mackenzee Barnett Welch, Savannah Dowling, Carolyne Gomez, Rylie Howard, Erica Leach, Hannah Mackey, Taylor McNutt, Andrea Peña Garcia, Miranda Smith, and Noewell Taft. 

The invocation for the service was given by graduate Savannah Dowling, with a welcome by the Dean of Health & Public Service Dr. Joshua Tarbay. Graduate Gracie Anderle served as the student speaker. The recessional was given by Kathy Trocolli with “Go Light Your World.” 

Dr. Cox presented the awards and the presentation of the class for pinning. 

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. 

Over the last three years, 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 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. 

For more information on the Nursing Program at Hill College, visit the Health & Public Service page at hillcollege.edu.