Ogeechee Technical College Hosts Associate of Science in Nursing Pinning Ceremony
Posted on May 20, 2026 at 15:36 PM
Ogeechee Technical College (OTC) proudly celebrated its students at its annual Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) Pinning Ceremony on Wednesday, May 13, honoring the second cohort of graduates from the recently established program.
The ceremony, held in the Joseph E. Kennedy Auditorium, featured remarks from OTC President Lori Durden, an invocation by graduate Erika Douberly, and a keynote address by graduate Daelyn Pearson.
OTC’s ASN program was officially launched in January 2024 after a transformational $1.5 million endowment from the George W. Strickland Jr. Foundation, the largest in the college’s history. The program admitted its first class of 24 students, who have now paved the way for future cohorts.
"Our graduates have balanced rigorous academic and clinical expectations while answering a calling to serve others during some of life’s most vulnerable moments,” said Program Director Ariel Cagle, MSN, RN, BSPH. “We are proud to send these future nurses into our communities equipped with the knowledge, professionalism, and heart needed to make a meaningful impact in healthcare.”
ASN Instructor, Courtney Reed, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, shared a reflection on the program's 2nd graduating class. “The pinning ceremony is always one of my favorite nights of the year. It is such a special opportunity to witness the culmination of all the hard work, dedication, and perseverance our students have shown throughout the program and to celebrate their incredible achievements. I am so proud of this cohort and cannot wait to see the compassionate and exceptional nurses they will become.
The ceremony concluded with the traditional lighting of candles by the 2026 Nursing Class, the recitation of the Nightingale Pledge led by graduate Crystal Rice, and closing remarks from Precious Carswell.
The nursing pinning ceremony marks the completion of the students’ nursing education and serves as a symbolic transition from student nurse to graduate nurse. While the ceremony recognizes their academic achievements and readiness to enter the profession, graduates must still successfully pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) in the coming weeks to become licensed registered nurses. Once licensed, they are officially authorized to practice as registered nurses.
Associate of Science in Nursing Class of 2026 Pin Recipients:
Lauren Beasley
Emilie Bistricky
Precious Carswell
Hannah Channell
Erika Douberly
Shannon Dubuc
Robert Flynn
Caroline Graham
Leandra Howington
Alecia Johnson
Samantha Johnson
Mitra Kavoosi
Brittany Kennedy
Abraham Keter
Corey Love
Deanna McDaniel
Daelyn Pearson
Calli Price
Crystal Rice
Ryan Richardson
Brandi Sanders
Ann Sommer
Terri Thomas
Akela Williams
About Ogeechee Technical College:
Ogeechee Technical College (OTC) is a unit of the Technical College System of Georgia. OTC provides student‐centered academic and occupational programs and support services at the associate degree, diploma, and certificate levels. OTC utilizes traditional and distance education methodologies in state-of-the-art facilities while supporting adult education, continuing education, and customized business and industry workforce training. Visit www.ogeecheetech.edu for more information.
Contact Information
Sean Payne
Executive Director for Public Relations & Marketing
912.871.8559 | spayne@ogeecheetech.edu
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