The Technical College of the Lowcountry recognized 18 associate degree nursing (ADN) graduates during its Dec. 14 pinning ceremony at the Beaufort Campus.

“The TCL nursing program in particular is rigorous but produces extremely qualified and successful graduates, giving them the confidence they need to excel in the nursing field,” nursing program director Dr. Mary Ann Jarmulowicz said. “We are so proud of this new class of nurses.”

During the ceremony, graduates receive their pins and light lamps, a nod to Florence Nightingale, who carried a lamp to light her path as she cared for the sick and dying soldiers during the Crimean War.

In the last five years, nearly 200 students have completed TCL’s associate degree in nursing program. TCL’s two-year ADN program prepares graduates to practice as registered nurses. Students experience on-campus learning using high-tech simulation equipment and receive intense additional hands-on practice at clinical sites located throughout Beaufort, Jasper, Hampton and Colleton counties.

The graduates are: Courtney Askew, Shenora Blackmon-Lofton, Melissa Bonds, Emily Bowen, Erica Craig, Lindsey Farrell, Laura Flanigan, Alyson Gatlin, Johnice Hawkins, Jake Hoffman, Laura Horle, Erin Hyatt, Taylor Long, Rachel Mole, Carla Pierce, Michelle Reed, Ca’Deidre Walker and Catherine Zelaya.

Visit www.tcl.edu/nursing to learn more about the program.