Blue Ridge Community and Technical College held its May 2026 Nursing Pinning Ceremony on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at the Robert C. Byrd Auditorium on the campus of WVUM, Berkeley Medical Center in Martinsburg, WV.

The ceremony celebrated the accomplishments, dedication, and perseverance of the graduating nursing class as students prepared to transition into the nursing profession. Family members, friends, faculty, and community supporters gathered to honor the graduates during this longstanding nursing tradition.

The evening began with welcome remarks and introductions of the faculty and graduating class by Angela Seibel, Director of Nursing. Faculty speaker Carole Spessert shared words of encouragement and reflection with the graduates.

Student speaker, Joshua Munn, who spoke on behalf of the class about the journey through nursing school and the bonds formed along the way. Mr. Munn thanks his family and friends for assisting him through the difficult journey that is nursing school.  He stated, “I charge you to always remember why you chose this profession.  To advocate for your patients with the veracity that they deserve, and fight for this profession. I further charge you with continuing to find your happiness, your peace every single day.”

Additional portions of the ceremony included a slideshow presentation highlighting memories from the students’ time in the program. The Student Nursing Association was recognized along with its current president, Anna Cecil-Clark for her dedication and outstanding leadership. Sandra Witt, Faculty, presented the meaningful “Green Light & Sugar Cookie” award to Vittorio Butera for his never-ending positive attitude. Ava Snesrud, Faculty, delivered the invocation. 

The ceremonial pinning of graduates was conducted by Blue Ridge’s Nursing faculty. Graduates participated in the traditional lamp lighting ceremony and recited the Nursing Pledge.

Nursing student graduates pinned during the ceremony were: Vittorio Butera, Anna-Cecile Clark, Gabriel Disch, Shelby Gibbons, Hannah Gough, Hailey Higgins, Gabrielle Koller, Hannah Krebs, Iman Levros-Morgan, Yannie Mamga, Gordana Medich, Florence Mhizha, Joshua Munn, Kayla Sipes, and Skylar Stotler.

Angela Seibel concluded the ceremony with closing remarks, congratulating the graduates on their achievement and encouraging them as they begin their careers serving patients and communities throughout the region.