Toms River, NJ, June 28, 2024 – OCVTS held its 101st commencement ceremony for the graduates of the Practical Nursing program. Families and friends gathered to recognize the 57 graduates who persevered through the extremely challenging curriculum and demanding schedules and successfully completed the program. In addition to receiving diplomas, the graduates were welcomed to their new profession with the traditional pinning ceremony. The graduates receive a symbolic pin from a member of the faculty or by a family member who is also a nursing professional. This year, 23 of the 57 graduates were pinned by family members; 8 of those 23 family members were past graduates of the OCVTS Practical Nursing Program.

Several 2024 graduates received scholarships and recognition for outstanding achievements. The Ocean County Foundation for Vocational Technical Education presented Awards of Academic Excellence/Outstanding Student Awards to Christina Dye for maintaining the highest-grade point average; Calista Barrett for maintaining the second highest average, and Kayla Fioretti for maintaining the third highest grade point average throughout the program.

OCVTS has forged valuable partnerships with more than a dozen local hospitals and healthcare facilities, facilitating invaluable practical experience for students and allowing them to seamlessly integrate theoretical knowledge acquired in the classroom with real-world applications. Over half of the required hours of the Practical Nursing Program involves clinical rotations at these facilities, providing students with opportunities to gain experience and apply classroom theory. Notably, Samantha Hammond and Jose Lopez-Sierra received the Bernadette DeFrancisci Scholarship Award for excelling in their clinical work environments, exhibiting flexibility as role models and mentors, and maintaining a positive and caring attitude. This scholarship, named in honor of retired OCVTS instructor Bernadette DeFrancisci, was provided by Cordella Lyon, MAEM, BS, RN, and Dr. Ann McGowan, alumni of the OCVTS program, in honor of Mrs. "D". Additionally, three students received an award for perfect attendance despite illness, bad weather, and hectic personal and academic schedules. Samantha Antonio, Victoria Asafu-Adjaye, and Zaria Prince never missed a day of school, both in class and the clinical areas.

At this time students are prepared to take the National Council Licensure Examination for qualification as
a Licensed Practical Nurse (NCLEX-PN).

For additional information on the Practical Nursing program at Ocean County Vocational Technical School, please visit ocvts.org or contact 732.473.3100 extension 3137 or 3145.