The Ethel Holden Brownstone Center for the Arts was alive with pride and jubilation on Dec. 11 as 50 Pearl River Community College students marked the completion of their Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing (ADN). Family and friends from far and wide converged to witness this momentous occasion, filling the air with an infectious energy as they celebrated the graduates' remarkable achievements at the ADN Pinning Ceremony.
Dean of Associate Degree Nursing Brandi Linares welcomed the students and their guests. She also thanked the administration, faculty, staff, family and friends for the roles they played in students lives.
“This ceremony marks a significant milestone in the lives of our graduates,” said Linares. “These ladies and gentlemen have just successfully completed a very rigorous RN program. Graduates, congratulations on this incredible achievement. Today we're going to celebrate all your dedication and hard work."
In the benediction given by George Lynn Underwood, the students were reminded, “Let us never forget that nursing is not just a profession, but a ministry, a sacred calling to care for others.”
Dr. Blake Meranto and Candie Gibson presented awards to four students. Evan Carr (traditional ADN program) and Cecilia Barbry (LPN to ADN program) were recognized for Academic Excellence. George Lynn Underwood (traditional ADN program) and Christa McGill (LPN to ADN program) were recognized for Dedication to Patient Care.
Three of the graduates were given cords in recognition of their membership in the Mississippi Organization for Students of ADN (MOSA) for one year of service with at least 50 community service credits. Six of the graduates earned a medallion having completed two years of service and a minimum of 100 community service credits.
MOSA is the only state chapter for students in the nation with the PRCC chapter participating in numerous educational, recruitment and community activities. Allee Spense served as Vice President in Spring 2025 and President for Fall 2025. Christy Whitney served as Treasurer for Spring 2025.
Traditional program Class President China Earl spoke on behalf of the cohort. She thanked her fellow classmates, family members and faculty for their support throughout their time in nursing school.
"Nursing school humbled us in the most unimaginable ways,” said Earl. “We did something that many start, but not everyone finishes. We earned this with grit, with sacrifice, with nights where we studied until our vision blurred, and with mornings where we woke up and said, OK, one more day.
“I'm so proud of us, and I cannot wait to see the kind of nurses we become.”
Prior to the presentation of pins, all registered nurses in the audience were invited to join the graduates in reciting the Nightingale Pledge led by Maliyah Brown. Dozens in the audience stood to join the graduates in the recitation.
After each name was read out by Dr. Jennifer Laborde, a recording of the graduate’s dedication card was played with their photo displayed on screens flanking the stage. After their pins were placed, graduates were given a lamp as a symbol of their commitment to nursing. Several of the graduates received their pin from a family member who is also a graduate of the PRCC ADN program.
The evening ended with the lighting of lamps and a recessional of the graduates to the lobby where they could begin their individual celebration.
Alpha Delta Nu Honor Society of Nursing
Earlier in the afternoon, Mackenzy Daniels (Vice President) and Elizabeth Ola (President) were inducted into the Alpha Delta Nu Honor Society of Nursing. The ceremony was held in Malone Chapel with Linares greeting those in attendance.
Guests attending the induction were given a brief history of the organization and chapter before the Capstone Project presentation. The students elected to focus on recruitment of potential nursing students, creating a flyer, and giving tours on their campus.
Nursing faculty members Anna Busby, Amy Esslinger, and Cindy Boutwell presented each inductee with a pin and cord.
Fall 2025 Associate Degree of Nursing Local Graduates
Tyler Bunch (Sumrall), Mackenzy Daniels*+ (Lumberton), China Earl* (Hattiesburg), Meagan Knue** (Lumberton), Kailee Lanier (Hattiesburg), Maysie Lee (Hattiesburg), India Lewis (Hattiesburg), Christa McGill (Petal), Jamirah Sanders (Hattiesburg), Kayleigh Warren (Purvis), and Christy Whitney** (Lumberton).
* Mississippi Organization for Students of ADN (MOSA) Cord & Medallion: 1- year member with 50+ community service credits
** Mississippi Organization for Students of ADN (MOSA) Cord & Medallion: 2- year member with 100+ community service credits
+ Alpha Delta Nu Honor Society of Nursing
