Sherie Smith, Vienna nursing instructor, pinned 23 new nurses graduating from the Vienna High School program. The pinning featured remarks from principal John Giffin, Shawnee College dean of allied health and nursing Mandy Hannon, Max Hook with a scholarship presentation, and superintendent Dr. Joshua Stafford. Vienna’s program is regulated under the Illinois Department of Public Health and designates graduates as certified nurse assistants. The program has become a launching pad for numerous students into various medical careers.
High school juniors completing the program included Tori Bailey, Gabrielle Buretz, Braden Harner, Chloe Hook, Abby Jones, Joscelyn Morrow, Ava Moore, Nevaeh Nagy, Savannah Oslay, Jada Rooney, Evelynn Ross, and Bryan Stepp. High School seniors graduating from the program included Gentiana Adili, Karina Botello, Suhmer Daubert, Jackson Ethridge, Jessica Goddard, Allison Murrie, Payton Palmer, Mikala Schultz, Kristen White, Danika Whitehead, and Job Winterrowd.
In addition, 21 of the 23 students will earn the Illinois State Board of Education-approved College and Career Pathway Endorsement in Health Science.
“It has been my experience that one would be hard pressed to walk into a hospital or medical facility in Southern Illinois or Western Kentucky and not run into a Vienna graduate. That means a lot whenever it’s your loved one receiving care. Knowing that these young adults will be transitioning into successful careers caring for our region is extremely rewarding,” said Dr. Joshua Stafford.
