Elizabeth City, NC – College of The Albemarle (COA) celebrates the Practical Nursing (P.N.) class of 2023. A pinning ceremony was held on Tuesday, July 25th, acknowledging the hard work and dedication of 17 graduates. In keeping with tradition, the ceremony was highlighted by the presentation of pins, the lighting of the Nightingale Lamps, and the recitation of the International Council of Nurses’ Pledge.

Each year, the ceremony also spotlights those who have achieved extraordinary academic and practical success during the program. This year, we proudly recognized the achievements of two exemplary graduates with three prestigious awards. Julia Vallas received the Academic Excellence Award, presented to the student with the highest cumulative GPA in the program.

Aubrey Pelletier was doubly celebrated, receiving both the Program Distinction Award and the Mildred W. Moore Nursing Excellence Award. The former award, presented to the student with the highest GPA specifically within the nursing program, and the latter, an honor reserved for a student demonstrating excellence in nursing, both acknowledge Aubrey’s remarkable accomplishments in the program.

We extend congratulations to all of our graduates and our award recipients. They are a testament to the commitment of COA to deliver exceptional nursing education.

Top (l-r): Jazmin Ortegon (Camden), Payton Brown (Currituck), Kayla Russell (Camden), Kali Murray (Perquimans), Kaitlyn Suter (Tyrrell), Kathleen Shaffer (Pasquotank)

Middle (l-r): Taniesha Kee (Pasquotank), Morgan Klein (Dare), Aubrey Pelletier (Washington), Olivia Foreman (Pasquotank), Sarah Smithson (Pasquotank), Amanda Staples (Camden)

Bottom (l-r): Julia Vallas (Pasquotank), Nicole Williams (Pasquotank), Cheyan Brasseur (Perquimans), Anna Grace Holland (Currituck), Esquana Brown (Pasquotank)