MWCC honors nursing program's class of 2007

Five local residents were among the 95 graduates of Mount Wachusett Community College's Nursing program who were presented with nursing pins at the 34th annual Nurses' Pinning Ceremony Tuesday, May 15.

During the ceremony, each graduate, dressed in a traditional nurse uniform, was welcomed into the profession by having a nursing pin fastened to her/his lapel by a fellow nurse- a family member, friend or faculty member. The eight-star pin is imprinted with the words "Service to Humanity and the World" with the nursing symbol in the middle.

MWCC's Director of Nursing Eileen Costello told the graduates and nearly 200 family members and friends gathered in the college's auditorium that she receives letters from patients about MWCC Nursing students.

"A student nurse from your college was assigned to help take care of me for two nights… (The student) helped to calm some of my fears and spent quality time with me. (The student's) caring and thoughtfulness in helping me through some tough hours should be commended. .. I am deeply grateful for the care," Costello read.

The following local students are graduating from MWCC's Nursing Program:

Ashburnham: Katherine Kusza, Mary-Ann LaBarge, Elizabeth Paris

Westminster: Melissa Bourque, Gregory Pappas