Commonwealth University Holds Nursing Pinning Ceremony

BELLEFONTE-The Commonwealth University Breiner School of Nursing recently held a pinning ceremony for all graduating Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) students from the Clearfield and Lock Haven campuses. The ceremony was held on Wednesday, May 14, in the Bald Eagle Area High School auditorium in Bellefonte.

During the ceremony, the students pledged their oath to the profession of nursing, they received their pins and honors students also received their cords.

Dr. Darlene Ardary, associate professor, conducted the pinning ceremony and the student speaker was class president Chloe Neal, of Reynoldsville.

“The pinning ceremony is more than a tradition – it’s a testament to the unwavering dedication, resilience and compassion that define a nurse,” Ardary said. “Each pin is a symbol of a journey completed and a future of service ahead. We celebrated not just the achievement, but the calling. As these graduates step into their roles, they will help fill much-needed RN positions in our rural community, bringing essential care and support where it is needed most.”

Students who participated in the pinning ceremony were: Holly Alterio, of Bellefonte; Benjamin Babakov, of New Columbia; Abby Bradley, of Mill Hall; Kasey Bradley, of Morrisdale; Brittany Cambria, of Kylertown; Mary Jo Cheatle, of Saint Marys; Kylee Clark of Woodward; Alesca Cooper, of Duncansville; Olivia Ferdarko, of DuBois; Kristiana Ferraro, of Williamsport; Angela Gorton, of Port Matilda; Callie Greishaw, of Clearfield; Fawn Guignet, of Howard; Kathleen Hetrick, of Punxsutawney; Rachel Hevner, of North Bend; Grace Holderman, of Julian; Katelyn Hullihen, of New Millport; Madison Kephart, of Philipsburg; Irelyn Kishbaugh, of Shickshinny; Michael Krajewski, of ; Ashlyn Litz, of ; Alexis Martin, of ; Sarah McCoy, of ; Dylan McDonald, of Reynoldsville; Carrie Mims, of Erie; Elizabeth Naumann, of Mill Hall; Chloe Neal, of Reynoldsville; Agnese Ng, of DuBois; Amanda Ohnmeiss, of Pennsdale; Jacob Rickley, of Bellefonte; Evan Ripka, of Jersey Shore; Olivia Sager, of Clarence; Sarah Saponaro, of Bellefonte; Mackenzie Shaffer, of Brookville; Carlie Shaner, of Hughesville; Devin Steele, of Bedford; Tamara Sullivan, of Shamokin; Katherine Temple, of Cogan Station; Cassidy Triponey, of McElhattan; Marissa Wheeler, of Penfield; and Lauren Wise, of Mill Hall.

is needed most.”