Student Nurses Pinned In Traditional
Ceremony
By Marie L. Monyak
December 18, 2005
Sunday
Ketchikan, Alaska - Seven Ketchikan
women took part in the traditional candle lighting and pinning
ceremony held at the Holy Name Parish Hall Friday evening, December
16th. These soon to graduate student nurses have attended the
University of Alaska Anchorage, School of Nursing, in conjunction
with the University of Southeast Ketchikan.
Lory Stulken, Theresa
Howard, Diana Porter, Jennifer Taylor, Mary Ellen Purschwitz,
Bridgit Stearns, Dawn Teune pose for the camera before the pinning.
Photo by Marie L. Monyak
The graduates of the School of
Nursing, Ketchikan Class of 2005 are Theresa Howard, Diana Porter,
Mary Ellen Purschwitz, Bridgit Stearns, Lory Stulken, Jennifer
Taylor and Dawn Teune.
The candle lighting and pinning
ceremony is over a hundred years old with some roots that trace
back to Florence Nightingale, yet it is almost unknown outside
of medical and academic societies. Florence Nightingale
became know as the "lady of the lamp." because of her
dedication during the Crimean War. The shining light of
the lamp, or candle, is symbolic of the care and devotion of
nurses everywhere.
Sister Betty Cane,
Cathy LeCompte and Carol Coose.
Photo by Marie L. Monyak
Cathy LeCompte the Interim Campus Director of UAS, Ketchikan,
served as the Mistress of Ceremonies and the Students' Choice
Speaker was Sister Betty Kane who gave an inspirational speech.
Carol Coose, the Department
Chair of the AAS program, delivered a stirring speech.
Photo by Marie L. Monyak
Maureen Northway, Assistant
Professor of UAA School of
Nursing presented the upcoming graduates with pins.
Photo by Marie L. Monyak
Also delivering a stirring speech was Carol Coose, the Department
Chair of the AAS program, followed by Maureen Northway, Assistant
Professor of UAA School of Nursing, who presented the upcoming
graduates with their pins. The seven women then proceeded
to light their own individual candles and recite the Florence
Nightingale Pledge.
A festive reception followed, with warm congratulations given
by many family members and friends.
Theresa Howard is pinned
by Maureen Northway,
Assistant Professor of UAA School of Nursing
Photo by Marie L. Monyak
Traditional candle
lighting and pinning ceremony - Theresa Howard, Diana Porter,
Mary Ellen Purschwitz, Bridgit Stearns, Lory Stulken, Jennifer
Taylor and Dawn Teune recite the Florence Nightingale Pledge
after their pinnings. Carol Coose (blue), Maureen Northway, Assistant
Professor of UAA School of Nursing (red)
Photo by Marie L. Monyak
Marie Monyak
is a freelance writer living in Ketchikan, Alaska.
This freelance story was commissioned by SitNews.
Contact Marie at mlmx1@hotmail.com
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