Northern Maine Community College Celebrates Nursing Graduates During 2026 Pinning Ceremony

Northern Maine Community College honored members of its Nursing Class of 2026 during the annual Nursing Pinning Ceremony held Friday, May 8, recognizing graduates for their dedication, compassion, and commitment to the nursing profession.

Family members, friends, faculty, and staff gathered to recognize the accomplishments of the graduating class and the significance of the nursing pinning tradition as students prepared to transition from the classroom to careers in healthcare. The nursing pinning ceremony is a longstanding tradition recognizing students as they transition from nursing education into professional practice.

Many members of the graduating class are already working in healthcare settings throughout Aroostook County or will soon begin positions serving patients and communities across the region, helping address ongoing workforce needs in the healthcare industry.

Welcome remarks were delivered by Andrew Gagnon, nursing department chair. Angela R. Buck, vice president and dean of Academic and Student Affairs, offered opening remarks, followed by guest speaker Jessica Lahey, nursing faculty member.

Emily Rae Jackson, representing the Class of 2026, addressed her classmates during the ceremony.

Pins were awarded by Michelle L. Soucy, Nursing Level II coordinator, while family members and loved ones joined graduates on stage to participate in the traditional pinning. Members of the graduating class also participated in the Florence Nightingale Pledge before concluding the ceremony with a student slideshow and Nurses' Blessing led by Gagnon.

Graduates recognized during the ceremony included Sara Abellera, Kylah Chelsea Belanger, Elayna Byron, Joseph Allan Carroll, Kourtney Carter, Daniela Maria Cormier, Haley Emma Dumond, Andrew John Dyer, Karina Golban, Emily Rae Jackson, Jessica Rene' King, Gracy Iris Labbe, Cecilia Nicole MacIntosh, Matthew McCormack, Tonya McLennan, Gail Andrea Phair-Kirk, Amanda Carol Rawlinson, Erica Michelle Rosten, Kevin Robert Sexton, Ailyn Stewart, and Edith Tungadio.

Professional photographs from the Nursing Pinning Ceremony will be made available online in the coming week. A gallery link will be shared with graduates via email and posted on NMCC social media channels once available.