Penn State Hazleton holds practical nursing graduation

HAZLETON, Pa. - Graduates of Penn State Hazleton's practical nursing program marked the completion of the 18-month program during a ceremony on Tuesday, Dec. 16, in the Dr. Thomas M. Caccese Gymnasium of the Physical Education Building.

The class of 17 students completed the requirements to earn a certificate in practical nursing and will be eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination-Practical Nurses, known as NCLEX-PN, to become licensed practical nurses. The cohort began in August 2024, taking classes in the practical nursing laboratory at Penn State Hazleton and attending clinical studies at area partner facilities.

Graduates and their hometowns include Helen Acosta Garcia, Hazleton; Emily Alimecco, Beaver Meadows; Crystal Bennage, Drums; Rasheeda Chanta Black, Wilkes-Barre; Rebecca Lynn Burns, Freeland; Jessica Annmarie Byam, Hanover Township; Janna De La Cruz, Hazleton; Yaindhis De La Cruz, Hazleton; Tashianna Lynn Gliem, Bloomsburg; Estefane Alexandra Hernandez Duran, Freeland; Lauren Ruby Johnson, Zion Grove; Ashley Jamilet Plasencia, Hazleton; Nicauris Magdalena Ramos Paulino, West Hazleton; Claudia Helen Rojas Asenjo, Mountain Top; Lianna Elizabeth Santiago, Hazleton; Alysse Marie Torres, Hazleton; and Maria Victoria Ningal Valenzuela, Hazle Township.

The graduates each received a nursing pin, symbolizing dedication and service to others, from a nurse who holds special meaning to them, and were accompanied by a person who inspired or supported them during their studies.

Several members of the graduating class earned special recognition with an award. The awards and winners included:

• Excellence in Clinical Practice, an award presented to the nursing student who best displays a high regard for clinical care and clinical aptitude: This year's recipient was Janna De La Cruz. She received the award from Instructor in Practical Nursing Ericka Evans.
• Award for Leadership and Professionalism, which recognizes outstanding leadership and professionalism during the nursing education process: Tashianna Gliem was this year's recipient. This award was presented by Instructor in Practical Nursing Lennie Romero.
• Most Compassionate, an award presented to the student who displays exceptional emotional capacities of empathy and sympathy for others: This year's recipient was Rebecca Burns. Instructor in Practical Nursing Michelle Cassic presented the award.
• Community Service Award, which is presented to the student who displays the initiative to reach out to those in need within the community: This year's recipient was Lianna Santiago, who received the award from Instructor in Practical Nursing Joann Famalette.
• Spirit of Nursing Award, which recognizes the student who shows excitement, motivation and enthusiasm toward the nursing profession: This year's recipient was Maria Valenzuela. Presenting the award was Instructor in Practical Nursing Susan Wizda.
• Patricia D. Kelly, R.N. Academic Award in Practical Nursing, an award presented to the student earning the highest overall grade-point average: Crystal Bennage was this year's recipient. She received the award from Practical Nursing Program Coordinator Heather Assise.

Interim Regional Chancellor Durell Johnson presided over the ceremony along with Practical Nursing Program Coordinator Heather N. Assise and Interim Director of Academic Affairs Joseph Ranalli.

Theresa Perkowski, admissions and marketing director at Mountain City Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Hazle Township, served as the guest speaker.