Nursing class graduates

New practical nurses honored at a recent graduation ceremony were (from left): front -- Cindy Sell, Victoria Lamond and Patricia Knowles; middle -- Tammy Hilliard, Lillian Cowburn and Cortney Cowburn, with nursing instructor Lori Edkin-Leisey; back -- Eryn Haynes, Rebekah Stahley and Lori McKenrick.

December 15 was a special day for nine area women who have spent countless hours and made numerous sacrifices to realize a dream. Coudersport High School Auditorium was the setting as nine students graduated as practical nurses from Penn College.

Classes were held in Coudersport at the Potter County Education Council and in Wellsboro at Penn College North Campus. Practical experience was gained at Sweden Valley Manor and Charles Cole Memorial Hospital.

Helene Nawrocki, executive director of the Potter County Education Council, spoke to the group about "Lessons from Oz" and gave each graduate a red rose. Brenda Abplanalp, director of outreach services at the North Campus, presented the graduation certificates.

Lori McKendrick received the Charles Cole Memorial Hospital Award and Cindy Sell was presented the Sweden Valley Manor award. A reception for family and friends followed the ceremony.

Graduates expressed their appreciation for the support they received from the Potter County Education Council staff, from Mikki Elliot and staff at Sweden Valley Manor, and from Netra Baker and staff at Charles Cole Memorial Hospital.

Anyone interested in nursing or other fields of education is encouraged to contact the council at 274-4877.