BTC Celebrates the RN Class of 2024!

    The Heights Baptist Church in Bolivar, Missouri, was filled with joy and anticipation on Saturday, May 4th, as Bolivar Technical College (BTC) held our much-anticipated graduation ceremony for the RN Bridge and RN Class of 2024. 37 students, including 11 RN Bridge students, celebrated their achievements and the beginning of their professional nursing careers.

    The ceremony began with an invocation by Maci Heineman, a distinguished member of the RN Class of 2024. Following this heartfelt opening, Erin Mock, MSN, RN, and Director of Nursing Education at BTC, delivered the opening remarks, highlighting the dedication and hard work of the graduates.

"We are proud of these graduates and the good that they will do in the communities that they serve. This class is well-equipped to be the next generation of professional nurses and will hold the bar high for future generations," Mock stated.

    The guest speaker, Bailee Bailey, MSN, RN, inspired the audience with her words of wisdom and encouragement, drawing from her extensive experience in the nursing field. Her speech was followed by student speaker Lindy Stubbs, who represented the RN Class of 2024, sharing personal anecdotes and the collective journey of the class.

    The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of pins and diplomas, a symbolic gesture marking the transition from student to RN. Each graduate was recognized for their commitment to the rigorous program and their readiness to serve in various healthcare settings.

    The graduates, hailing from diverse backgrounds and communities, are as follows:

Gabrielle Beck of Everton, Christy Hemphill-Blankenship of Lebanon, Kaitlynn Burris of Flemington, Autumn Buttry of Bolivar, Sara Carmichael of Springfield, Jessalyn Cartwright of Willard, Aimee Clemmons of Hermitage, Rhonda Coats of Dadeville, Devan Coulter of Republic, Paige Cunningham of Springfield, Maudlyne Elliot of Bolivar, Britney Frye of Ozark, Cynthia Harden of Stafford, McKenzie Harris of Springfield, Taylor Head of Springfield, Maci Heineman of Bolivar, Ashley Hubbard of Kirbyville, Lynzie Katska of Springfield, Jaclyn Kelly of Republic, Rachel Kesterson of Bolivar, Mary Looney of Lebanon, Alexandra Lottmann of Bolivar, Jesse Lovelace of Stockton, Amie Lurten of Urbana, Jolene Miller of Hermitage, Amber Moller of Springfield, Alyssa Olonde (Cum Laude) of Bolivar, Rebecca Rodriguez of Bolivar, Garrett Rudy of Springfield, Leah Standon of El Dorado Springs, Jamie Stuart of Ozark, Lindy Stubbs of Humansville, Megan Sweaton of Urbana, Stormy VanHolt of Morrisville, Melanie Volanski of Seymour, Rebecca Wanhala of Weaubleau and Claire Williams of Pleasant Hope.

    The ceremony concluded with a benediction by Britney Frye, bringing a close to a memorable event. We celebrate these graduates and their achievements, looking forward to the positive impact they will have in their respective communities. These new RNs are equipped with the technical skills needed in the healthcare field and the compassion and dedication that define great nurses. In the coming weeks, these graduates will take their licensure exam, the Next Gen NCLEX (NGN), and begin working as RNs.