MADISON, FL – Surrounded by family, friends, and faculty who have walked beside them every step of the way, the North Florida College Registered Nursing Class of 2025 was honored in a time-honored pinning and lamp lighting ceremony on May 6.
Held in the Van H. Priest Auditorium, this ceremony is more than a tradition—it’s a calling answered, a journey completed, and a promise made. It is where hard-earned achievement meets the compassionate spirit that defines nursing and the heart of North Florida.
Each graduate received NFC’s official nursing pin, a symbol of dedication, service, and strength. Nursing faculty and staff stood proudly beside the 21 graduates, celebrating their milestones and presenting distinguished awards to students who exemplified leadership, resilience, and excellence.
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Kelley Howell of Lafayette County earned both the Academic Achievement Award and the revered Keeper of the Light Award, a tradition that links the classes of today with those of tomorrow.
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Bethany Crossno of Suwannee County was honored with the Dedication to Nursing Award, presented by South Georgia Medical Center.
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Tamara DeVore of Suwannee County received the Leaps and Bounds Award for remarkable growth and perseverance.
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Jonathan Gray of Madison County was presented the Nightingale Award of Excellence, a tribute to compassionate care.
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Emily Boggus of Suwannee County earned the Nursing Leadership Award, recognized for her influence and commitment.
The ceremony’s emotional highlight came during the “Lighting of the Lamps,” as graduates carried forward the symbolic flame of Florence Nightingale’s legacy, followed by the heartfelt recitation of the Nightingale Pledge. Guest speaker Ashley Haynes, MSN, RN, chosen by the class, reminded students of the power of purpose, especially in small communities like those NFC serves.
The celebration continued at NFC’s Spring Commencement Ceremony on May 8, where these future nurses officially received their diplomas—ready to make a difference in hospitals, clinics, and communities across the region.
“This is a calling, not just a career,” said Dr. Anna Kelley, Director of Nursing and Allied Health. “These students are the heartbeat of rural healthcare. They’ve worked hard, cared deeply, and now they’ll go on to do the work that truly matters.”
NFC’s Registered Nursing Class of 2025:
(Listed by first and last name with home county)
Arianna Allen – Leon
Emily Boggus – Suwannee
Emma Brown – Suwannee
Hannah Byrd – Lowndes
Dulce Chavez – Hamilton
Bethany Crossno – Suwannee
Alana Demps – Madison
Tamara DeVore – Suwannee
Kimarie Eldridge – Brooks
Yvonne Elliott – Taylor
Terra Felix – Duval
Jonathan Gray – Madison
Kaisy Gray – Madison
Kelley Howell – Lafayette
Tanisha Johnson – Taylor
Andrena Lawery – Taylor
Julissa Ramos – Suwannee
Jaime Sessions – Taylor
Kaila Smith – Taylor
Lindsey Thomas – Lafayette
Landri Washington – Madison
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Kelley Howell of Lafayette County earned both the Academic Achievement Award and the Keeper of the Light Award.
Bethany Crossno of Suwannee County was honored with the SGMC Dedication to Nursing Award.
Tamara DeVore of Suwannee County received the Leaps and Bounds Award.
Jonathan Gray of Madison County was presented the Nightingale Award of Excellence.
Emily Boggus of Suwannee County earned the Nursing Leadership Award.