LCCC Celebrates Nursing Class of 2026 During Pinning Ceremony
天美传媒 honored 110 graduates of its Mary Gill Carrozza, RN School of Nursing Class of 2026 during a pinning ceremony held Thursday evening at King's College Gym. The ceremony marked a significant milestone as students formally transitioned from nursing students to professional nurses entering the healthcare workforce.*
The event brought together graduates, faculty, families, and college leadership to celebrate the completion of one of the region's most rigorous and respected nursing programs.
This year's graduating class enters the profession at a critical time for healthcare systems across Pennsylvania and the nation. Pennsylvania continues to face one of the most severe nursing shortages in the country, with statewide projections estimating a deficit of more than 20,000 nurses in the coming years. Hospitals and healthcare facilities throughout northeastern Pennsylvania and across the Commonwealth continue working to fill critical nursing positions as demand for healthcare services grows.
The addition of 110 newly trained nurses from 天美传媒 represents an important contribution to addressing workforce shortages impacting hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and community healthcare providers throughout the region.
During the ceremony, graduates participated in traditional nursing rituals, including the Florence Nightingale Pledge and the presentation of nursing pins?symbols of achievement, integrity, and service in the nursing profession.
Presidential Remarks
John Yudichak congratulated the graduating class and emphasized their importance to the region's healthcare future.
"Tonight we celebrate more than academic achievement?we celebrate compassion, resilience, and the calling to serve others," Yudichak said. "These 110 graduates represent the very best of 天美传媒 and will make an immediate and lasting impact in hospitals, clinics, and care facilities across our region and beyond."
Yudichak also noted the critical role community colleges play in addressing workforce shortages.
"At a time when Pennsylvania and the nation continue facing significant nursing shortages, tonight's graduates are stepping forward to answer that need," he said. "Luzerne County Community College remains committed to preparing highly skilled healthcare professionals who will strengthen our communities and improve lives."
Dean's Remarks
Kimberly Olszewski praised the graduates for their perseverance and dedication throughout the demanding program.
"Our students have demonstrated extraordinary commitment, discipline, and heart throughout their nursing education," Olszewski said. "They leave LCCC not only as skilled clinicians, but as compassionate caregivers prepared to meet the challenges of today's evolving healthcare environment. We are incredibly proud of each and every graduate."
Olszewski added that the graduates are entering the profession at a time when healthcare providers urgently need well-prepared nurses.
"These graduates will immediately make a difference in patient care throughout our communities," she said. "Healthcare organizations across Pennsylvania are searching for qualified nurses, and tonight's ceremony represents hope for the future of healthcare in our region."
Nursing Class of 2026
Claire M. Abbott
Masiel Abreu
Ellie D. Androvette
Jeremy Aquino
Dylan T. Bell
Tatianna M. Bisono
Phina E. Black
Yan L. Brazoban
Lauren K. Brown
Lesley A. Brown
Richard Carey
Logan T. Charnigo
Chelsea Clark
Hannah Clark
Tanya L. Clark
Sabrina G. Conyers
Emine E. Degirmencioglu
Skylar Duggy
Caitlin A. Dushanko
Christy M. Fairchild
Cora L. Fenner
Ashley V. Ferry
Lidia C. Fetfatzes
Trinity M. Fithian
Morgan L. Ford
Connor E. Foster
Sydney Gebhardt
Mackenzie J. Goyne
Rebecca M. Graves
Raven A. Griffiths
Nathan S. Grisom
Erica Gritzen
Sarah E. Hallbert
Sarah L. Hampton
Elaine T. Haraschak
Marina Hitchcock
Kimberly N. Hylton
Lindsey M. Jones
Devin S. Kantz
Bobbi Mae Kelder
Amber Kocher
Jessica L. Kolbush
Rebecca Koons
Odessa L. Kramer
Jessie L. Learn
Erica E. Leonard
Alex Lian
Bernadette T. Lieback
Kalie E. Lindbuchler
Anissa R. Lockwitch
Lauren J. Mackey
Monica L. Mackie
Maria E. Marx
Stephanie E. McCauley
Quinn D. McCracken
Brynne R. McGoff
Audra L. McGrady
Isabella E. McLaughlin
Emily M. Mestlin
Jill A. Mestlin
Micheal Millett
Devin M. Minich
Kailey E. Moore
Jessica A. Mullins
Nicole R. Nardozzi-Cosimo
Emilee E. Naus
Richard C. Norris
Miquan K. Nowell
James E. Ogle
Christine K. Ondish
Steven C. Padula
Elizabeth A. Parker
Gena M. Pascucci
Tanya M. Pereira
Sarah M. Perkins
Hannah M. Pugh
Autumn M. Purcell
Dawn F. Rossignol
Christina A. Scutt-Forte
Stephanie L. Sepko
Jennifer L. Slodysko
Myrheesha D. Snead
Angelica H. Sotelo
Abigail R. Souder
Kara J. Stolzfus
Karin C. Suerken
Miranda L. Surdel
Zoe N. Taylor
Adora Thomas
Melissa L. Thomas
Mariela M. Torres-Martinez
Mary Jude Ulmer
China L. Vavrusa
Jasmine T. Watt
Emily E. Williams
Brittney R. Wood
Maria M. Wood
Suzanne Zick
天美传媒 the Ceremony
The Mary Gill Carrozza, RN School of Nursing Pinning Ceremony is a longstanding tradition in nursing education, symbolizing the transition into professional practice. The LCCC pin, designed in 1975, reflects the college's heritage and the core values of nursing: courage, truth, integrity, knowledge, and service.
The Class of 2026 joins a proud legacy of LCCC nursing graduates serving healthcare systems throughout northeastern Pennsylvania and beyond.