MADISON, FL – North Florida College honored 25 graduating nursing students during its Spring 2026 Registered Nursing Pinning Ceremony held Tuesday, May 5, at 4 p.m. in the Van H. Priest Auditorium. 
 
The ceremony marked a significant milestone in the graduates’ journeys from nursing students to healthcare professionals prepared to serve patients and communities across the region and beyond. Family members, friends, faculty and healthcare supporters gathered to celebrate the Class of 2026 and recognize the dedication, perseverance and compassion required to complete the rigorous nursing program. 
 
Rooted in longstanding nursing tradition, the pinning ceremony symbolizes the transition into the nursing profession, and the responsibility graduates now carry as caregivers and advocates for others.
 
“These graduates have shown remarkable dedication, resilience and compassion throughout the rigorous demands of the nursing program,” said Dr. Anna Kelley, NFC Director of Nursing and Allied Health.  “Their success reflects not only academic excellence, but also a deep commitment to serving others. As they begin their nursing careers, they will make a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of patients and communities across our region.” 
 
Several graduates received special recognition awards during the ceremony for excellence in leadership, academics and service:
 
  • Paisley Chirino of Suwannee County received the Keeper of the Light Award.
  • Ellie Cushman of Taylor County received the Academic Achievement Award.
  • Telvasha Edwards-Blackshear of Suwannee County received the Nightingale Award of Excellence.
  • Julyana Espinoza-Negrete of Madison County received the Leaps and Bounds Award 
 
NFC’s Associate Degree Nursing program prepares students for careers as registered nurses through classroom instruction, hands-on clinical experiences and workforce-focused training designed to meet the growing healthcare needs of North Florida communities. 
 
“Nursing is more than a profession; it is a calling centered on service, empathy and trust,” said David Dunkle, Dean of Workforce and Economic Initiatives and Chief Academic Officer. “We are proud of the commitment these graduates have shown and confident they will make a meaningful impact in the lives of those they care for.” 
 
The RN pinning ceremony remains one of North Florida College’s most cherished traditions, recognizing both the accomplishments of graduates and the important role nurses play in strengthening rural healthcare systems. 
 
For more information about Nursing and Allied Health programs at North Florida College, visit www.nfc.edu or contact Coordinator of Allied Health Tara Mesnard at (850) 973-1626 or email mesnardt@nfc.edu.
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2026 RN Graduates (Sorted by County):
 
Name
Award
County
Cameel Robinson
 
Alachua
Mason Good
 
Columbia
Natalie Everson
 
Lafayette
Rachael Vickery
 
Leon
Regan Adams
 
Lowndes, Ga
Paisley Chirino
Keeper of the Light Award
Lowndes, Ga
Tameria Harris
 
Madison
Brianna Jenkins
 
Madison
Caitlyn Akins
 
Madison
Julyana Espinoza –
Negrete
Leaps and Bounds Award
Madison
Giovanni Villalba
 
Madison
Lily Floyd
 
Suwannee
Allison Schwab
 
Suwannee
Cameron Croft
 
Suwannee
Telvasha Edwards -
Blackshear
Nightingale Award of Excellence 
Suwannee
Megan Lewis
 
Suwannee
Tate Van Etta
 
Suwannee
Rachel Willis
 
Suwannee
Maritza Germain
 
Suwannee
Madalynn Rutherford
 
Suwannee
Jamiyah Carter
 
Taylor
Ellie Cushman 
Academic Achievement Award
Taylor
Ashley Hearn
 
Taylor
Allie Morla
 
Taylor
Brittany Stalans
 
Taylor

 

RN Class of 2026 at the Spring 2026 Pinning Ceremony