“It feels wonderful to be graduating,” exclaimed Desiree Lyons of Poughkeepsie who is planning to attend New York University. “It was a difficult, but rewarding program, and I’m excited about continuing my education to become a surgical physician’s assistant.”

Adult students Virginia Daly of Wallkill and Renee Ingersoll of Saugerties were all smiles as they prepared to receive their diplomas. “I’m so excited!” commented Daly. “I have kids at home, so I’m planning on working in a nursing home after graduation. I will miss this class because we really bonded. It was a good class.”

Adds Ingersoll, “The class was very supportive. I’m looking forward to taking my Boards as soon as possible, then I would like to work in pediatrics or women’s healthcare. I am very excited about my prospects after Ulster BOCES.”

The featured guest speaker was the clinical director for the Hurley Avenue Surgical Center in Kingston, Ellen Argust, RN, BSN, CNOR. As a former graduate of the Ulster BOCES Licensed Practical Nursing program, Argust applauded the graduating LPN class of 2004. “Nothing should ever stop you from learning or being the nurse you want to be. Never loose that passion for nursing. Whatever you learn here will stick with you for the rest of your life. The LPN program here is wonderful—it’s a Hudson Valley gem in my eyes.”

Marita Kitchell, supervisor of Health Occupations and New Visions at Ulster BOCES congratulated the students and quoted some advice Florence Nightingale offered her nursing students in 1873: “Nursing is most truly said to be a high calling, an honourable calling...In working hard during your training to learn and to do all things perfectly…honour lies in loving perfection, consistency, and in working hard for it: in being ready to work patiently…I will live to deserve to be called a Trained Nurse.”

Concluded Kitchell, “Always practice nursing in a safe, caring, and effective manner; continue to seek higher education; and stop and smell the roses.”