ANNUAL PINNING CEREMONY HONORS 13 FUTURE NURSES FOR EXCELLENCE, COMPASSION, AND COMMITMENT TO SERVICE
James Sprunt Community College honored the 2026 Practical Nursing graduating class during its annual Pinning Ceremony held Thursday, July 30, at Kenansville Baptist Church.
The ceremony recognized 13 graduates as they completed one of the final milestones in their nursing education before entering the healthcare workforce. Surrounded by family, friends, members of the James Sprunt Community College Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and community supporters, graduates were honored for their dedication, perseverance, and commitment to the nursing profession.
The 2026 Practical Nursing graduates are:
- Courtney Arrasmith
- Madeline Brown
- Eder Castellanos
- Monica Evans
- Ashley Garcia-Jacobs
- Brandi Hollinger
- Brittany Knowles
- Destiny Mitchell
- Ashlon Mooring
- Brianna Moradel
- Kelsey Outlaw
- Aquala Wallace
- Kourtnee Wilson
Following the presentation of nursing pins, graduates participated in the traditional Lighting of the Lamps Ceremony and recited the Nightingale Pledge, symbolizing their commitment to compassionate, ethical, and professional nursing care.
Reaching the milestone of graduation for any nursing student is a tremendous accomplishment. Graduate Madeline Brown reflected on the challenges she overcame while completing the program.
“Every challenge along the way was worth it. James Sprunt Community College’s Practical Nursing Program showed me I was capable of more than I ever imagined, and the support of my instructors, classmates, faith, and family carried me through.”
Several students were recognized for outstanding achievement throughout the program:
- Outstanding Student Award – Ashlon Mooring
- Academic Excellence Award – Courtney Arrasmith
- Clinical Excellence Award – Eder Castellanos
- DAISY Award – Brandi Hollinger
- Spirit of Unity Award – Monica Evans
ECU Health Duplin Hospital presented its prestigious DAISY Award, recognizing a student who exemplifies extraordinary compassion and excellence in patient care. This year’s recipient was Brandi Hollinger.
Reflecting on receiving the honor, Hollinger shared:
Receiving the DAISY Award meant more to me than I can express because it represented the qualities I value most—kindness, empathy, and compassionate patient care. This chapter may be ending, but it is only the beginning of the nurse I hope to become.”
Recipient of the Academic Excellence Award Courtney Arrasmith stated,
My journey through the Practical Nursing Program has been both challenging and rewarding. Balancing full-time work, raising two young children, and pursuing my education taught me perseverance, discipline, and faith. Receiving the Academic Excellence Award reflects the hard work and dedication that helped shape me into a confident future nurse. I am deeply grateful to my instructors, classmates, and family for their unwavering support.”
Monica Evans is the first recipient of the Spirit of Unity Award for her outstanding dedication to class morale and encouragement. Evans stated,
Thank you to the Health Education Department for presenting me with the first-ever Spirit of Unity Award. This award means so much to me because it represents what I value most: bringing people together, uplifting each other, and making sure no one walks this journey alone. This is not just my award. It is OUR unity that made it possible.”
Dr. Phadra Murray, Dean of Health Education, offered words of encouragement to the graduating class.
The faculty members of the Health Education Department are honored to pass the torch, which will illuminate and guide your path as you bring calm amidst chaos, provide comfort to those in pain, and offer steady hands during life’s most delicate moments. We are incredibly proud of the Practical Nursing Class of 2026 and are confident each graduate has a bright future ahead.”
James Sprunt Community College President Dr. Shannon Hair applauded the graduates while recognizing the dedication of the faculty and staff who helped prepare them for successful careers in healthcare.
Our Practical Nursing graduates have demonstrated remarkable determination, resilience, and a heart for serving others. Their success is a reflection not only of their hard work, but also of the unwavering commitment of our exceptional nursing faculty and staff, who invest in our students every step of the way. At James Sprunt Community College, our mission is to respond to the educational and workforce development needs of our community through quality instruction, accessible opportunities, and meaningful partnerships. Today’s graduates embody that mission, and we are proud to celebrate the compassionate healthcare professionals they have become and the impact they will make in our communities.”
The annual Practical Nursing Pinning Ceremony marks the transition from student to healthcare professional while celebrating the dedication, compassion and excellence that define the nursing profession.
