Beaufort County Community College congratulates the 42 students who graduated from its Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program. Since its inception, the ADN program has honored graduates with a separate pinning ceremony, a long-standing tradition in the nursing profession. This year’s ceremony was held on May 8, the day of commencement, in the Dr. Charles O. Boyette Conference Center on campus.
As part of a tradition started in 2022, each graduate invited a family member or friend on stage to pin them, creating a moment of shared pride and recognition.
The ADN graduates completed a rigorous five-semester program that includes clinical experiences in hospitals. Clinical rotations often involve 12-hour shifts in addition to coursework and exams. Students are trained in general nursing, long-term care, home health, medical-surgical nursing, and both intermediate and intensive care settings.
Of the Class of 2025, 22 students were members of the Beaufort County Association of Nursing Students (BCANS), a professional organization that supports community service projects. Their involvement underscores this class’s commitment not only to academic success but also to community engagement.
Student McKenna Taylor presented the Academic Excellence Award to Sam Daniels, who earned the highest grade point average (GPA) in the class. Taylor also presented the DAISY Award for Exceptional Nursing Students, which honors graduates who deliver extraordinary, compassionate care during their clinical training. Sponsored by the DAISY Foundation in collaboration with ECU Health, the award includes a hand-carved stone sculpture and national recognition. This year’s recipients were LaShay Distance and Crystal Peterson.
“[LaShay] exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding nursing student though their dedication, compassion and exceptional clinical skills. He embodies a positive radiance with everyone he encounters,” wrote a nominator for LaShay Distance.
“[Crystal] was a source of light, strength, and unwavering compassion. Her gentle spirit and calm presence immediately began to ease my anxiety. She listens without judgement, treated me with dignity and made me feel seen and valued, not just as a patient but as a person. She embodies the heart of nursing, compassion, advocacy and dedication,” wrote a patient of Crystal Peterson.
The Class of 2025 included:
Lauren Alligood, Jacob Bonner, Macy Bowen, Carnae’ Braggs, Khalil Bush, Bryce Casper, Amanda Coombs, Lisa Croom, Victoria Dancy, Sam Daniels, LaShay Distance, Jamie Foster, Morgan Garner, Morgan Hagler, Danielle Harris, Aryanna Hart, Payton Hedgecock, Jennifer Hernandez-Celis, Mayra Hernandez-Rodriguez, Lena Holt, Makayla Horton, James Johnson, Hunter Linnen, Cynthia Medina, Deanna Menard, Erica Nimeskern, Alicia O’Neal, Taylor Peacock, Nick Peele, Hayley Perry, Crystal Peterson, Logan Ramkissoon, Jenna Rawls, Lauren Saunders, Tony Sanchez, Brianna Smith, Olivia Spencer, Carolyn Stevens, Jessica Stone, Jessica Villeda, Hannah Wells, and Kiana Wilkins.
Graduates of the ADN program must pass the NCLEX-RN, the national licensing exam for registered nurses, before beginning employment. Most of this year’s graduates have already accepted positions with healthcare providers. Twenty-two students will begin their careers at ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville, while six will join ECU Health Beaufort.
Beaufort County Community College applauds these graduates for their dedication and thanks them for their service to the health of our region. The application period for the next ADN cohort opens in September for students enrolling in Fall 2026.