NORWICH –  The DCMO BOCES Adult Education Department held its Licensed Practical Nursing class graduation on Oct. 9 at the Oxford Academy and Central School high school, presenting pins and diplomas to 22 graduates of the program.

In welcoming remarks at the ceremony, Health Occupations Coordinator Dawn Garrow told the graduates, “With each class there are qualities that make each one unique. I will remember this class always smiling regardless of any obstacles they may have had to face during their journey.”

Garrow noted that completion of the course was not easy, and there were many sacrifices on the part of students, their families and friends.  When Jim Brazeal, the class valedictorian, took his turn at the podium, he referred to a class of students who began this long and difficult journey as strangers, but by the end of the program they were a “family.”

Students in the class select someone each year who has been an inspiration and role model for them. This year’s guest speaker was Victoria Newkirk, Nurse Manager of Delaware Valley Hospital. Newkirk spoke to the students about the nursing process and how important that critical thinking is to success in the nursing profession. She reminded students to never lose the compassion and empathy necessary to be caring, proficient nurses.