14 Students Recognized at ECCC Practical Nursing Program Pinning Ceremony

July 22, 2025

East Central Community College honored 14 graduates of its Practical Nursing Program during a Pinning Ceremony held Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in Huff Auditorium on the Decatur campus.

Jacob Campbell Leake opened the ceremony with the invocation, followed by welcoming remarks from ECCC President Dr. Brent Gregory. 

David Case, Executive Vice President, presented the candidates for degrees and certificates. The graduates were pinned by Practical Nursing instructor LaShonda Boddie.

The traditional candle lighting followed, accompanied by the recitation of the Florence Nightingale Pledge, led by Director of Practical Nursing Theresa Cole and the graduating class. Madison Hope Byrd, selected as the student speaker, delivered an address on behalf of her classmates before the ceremony concluded.

Graduates of the 2025 Practical Nursing Program included:

  • Madison Hope Byrd

  • Summer Nicole Downs

  • Natalie Griffin

  • Ashtin Taylor Hines

  • MaKayla Tyesha Lancaster

  • Kyleigh Laughlin

  • Jacob Campbell Leake

  • Janiya Paulina Palm

  • Shalindra Plummer

  • Magan Ren’ee Purcell

  • Savannah Jane Ray

  • Casandra Danielle Tatum

  • Chauntara Triplett

  • Essence Aa’Yanna Shardee’ Wesley

The Practical Nursing Program at ECCC admits one class annually in the fall. Applications for the program are available beginning October 1, with a deadline of January 31. All required documentation must be submitted to both the Office of Admissions and Records and the Office of Healthcare Education by the deadline.

The program is accredited by the Mississippi Board of Nursing. For more information, visit www.eccc.edu/practical-nursing-pn.