BCC Holds Spring Pinning Ceremony for Nursing Graduates

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) students honored

The wearing of the school pin symbolizes the right to serve others, signifying the acceptance of the responsibilities of the practice of nursing and the educational preparation of the wearer. The ceremony is a time-honored nursing school tradition dating to the turn of the twentieth century. The gold center of the pin features the college seal, including the words "To travel hopefully."

Awards

Six graduates received awards:

Holya Ebiyatakyih received the Bette B. Everson Memorial Nursing Award, which is given to a graduating Associate Degree in Nursing student who best exemplifies the personal characteristics of commitment, perseverance and professional growth.

Charity Fianko received the Clinical Excellence in Nursing Award, which is presented to a student who performs exemplary delivery of nursing skills in the clinical setting. This award recognizes the role of advocacy in nursing by promoting compassionate and holistic patient-centered care.

Teressa LeBeau received the Integritus Healthcare Long Term Care in Nursing Award, which is given to a student employed by one of the Integritus Healthcare long-term care facilities who has demonstrated a commitment to patient-centered care. The recipients of this award are dedicated to the core values of the organization: integrity, compassion, excellence, teamwork and stewardship.

Adele Lee received the Academic Excellence in Nursing Award, which is presented to the student who has the highest GPA within the ADN program and is given in acknowledgment of academic excellence in nursing. This award recognizes the student’s hard work and determination demonstrated in the pursuit of nursing knowledge.

Mwila Malama received the Berkshire Health Systems Spirit of Caring in Nursing Award, which is given to a graduating Associate Degree Nursing student who best exemplifies the spirit of compassion. The recipient of this award is committed to clinical and service excellence, optimizes each patient interaction to its full potential, and shows caring and concern for patients and their families.

Lauren Mroz received the Professionalism in Nursing Award, which is presented to a student who is committed to high quality patient care, and who also serves as a role model for teamwork and collaboration. The award recognizes the importance of communication and critical thinking while promoting the positive image of nursing.

Graduates

The ceremony honored the following Class of 2026 graduates:

Connecticut

• Enfield: Elizabeth McManus
• North Canaan: Mercedes Bell
• Stafford Springs: Laonie Ellerby

Massachusetts

• Adams: Chiara Paris, Alanza Quinones
• Belchertown: Ashley Tedone
• Chicopee: Isaac Boahen, Sherly Vargas Pacheco
• Clarksburg: Nicholas Fortin
• Dalton: Kassidy Thorn
• Great Barrington: Sandra Littell
• Hinsdale: Sean Duma
• Lanesborough: Marissa Rivard
• Lee: Luisa Huertas, Akash Nair, Tabor Paul
• North Adams: Jennifer McCue-Ciempa
• Peru: Kristin Zuber
• Pittsfield: Daniel Berk, Brittany Bourassa, Jessica Boyce, Holya Ebiyatakyih, Charity Fianko, Marquisha Fulton, Amber Furtado, Sabine Grout Bartlett, Taleara Hillery, Brooke Kiger, Betty Klash Welsh, Nerline Koffi, Teressa LeBeau, Bruna Lino, Ella Lyon, Mwila Malama, Carrie Morelli, Mireille Moussoyi, Amelia Pecon, Elisabeth Richman, Izabella Vianna
• Quincy: Jaquira Llanos-Villaneuva
• Sheffield: Paige Killiard
• Somers: Tori Lashway
• South Egremont: Adele Lee
• West Springfield: Milena Zuffelato
• Wilbraham: Orette Morris
• Williamsburg: McKensie Ovitt
• Worcester: Yairibel Cedano, Gabriela Elicier

Vermont

• Stamford: Lauren Mroz

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Visit Allied Health and Nursing programs, or call the Admissions Office at 413-236-1630 for more information.