38 UMFK student nurses honored

FORT KENT, Maine – Thirty-eight University of Maine at Fort Kent nursing students received their nursing pins, signifying their official entrance into the profession, earlier this year in Fox Auditorium of the UMFK campus.     Faculty, staff and students, along with family members and friends of the graduates, gathered to honor the recipients of the Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing. University President Dr. Richard W. Cost welcomed attendees and extended congratulations to the students.
Jenny Radsma, associate professor of nursing, addressed the nursing graduates and welcomed them into the nursing profession.
The theme for the pinning ceremony was Nursing: A Profession and a Passion.
The keynote speaker for the pinning ceremony was Dorothy King, of Ashland.  Dorothy has been serving individuals, families and communities since 1953. Dorothy spent much of her career in health care administration. Dorothy demonstrates a tremendous passion for nursing.
During the evening, the Division of Nursing’s tradition is to honor an outstanding alumna or alumnus.  This year’s award went to Rachel Charette, who graduated in 1994.
In addition to honoring an alumna or alumnus, the Division of Nursing recognized a member of the community who has been a staunch supporter of professional nursing and of BSN education, particularly within the St. John Valley. Jackie Devoe was honored with the Community Leader Award.
Devoe has spent her nursing career applying her skills and resources to promote the health and wellbeing of individuals, families and communities. She began working at Cary Medical Center in 1994 as the chief nursing officer. Currently, Jackie is case manager who she is also working towards a family nursing practitioner degree.
Students receiving their nursing pins were: Shelly R. Blier, Fort Kent; Tracy Caron, Fort Kent;  Josée D. Chamberland, Fort Kent; Marylan C. Clark, Fort Kent Mills; Sherrie L. Clavette, Frenchville; Nicole D. Corbin, Van Buren; Lauren E. Currier, Stockholm; Deidre Cushman, Mars Hill; Mary Jane Daigle, Caribou; Laci A. Drake, Columbia Falls, Mont.; Sara Marie Dubois, Frenchville;  Mary Ann Fortin, Augusta;  Jeremy J. Griffiths, Fort Kent;  Sheila M. Guerrette, Caribou; Kim M. Hafford, Fort Kent; Ronald C. Jones, Lower Woodstock, New Brunswick, Canada; Dawn Kerekes, Hodgdon; Rebekah Y. LaForest, Levant; Johan D. Langley, Presque Isle; Kimberly Lemelin, Belgade; Jennifer L. L’Italien, St. John Plantation; Jessica Lee L’Italien, Fort Kent; Jill M. McKinnon, Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Canada; Ezequiel Meran, Lawerence, Mass., Chelsea D. Morin, St. Agatha; Dora E. Pelkey, Carlingford, New Brunswick, Canada; Glenn A. Pelletier, Fort Kent; Nathalie A. Pelletier, St. Hiaire, New Brunswick, Canada; Donna M. Picard, Frenchville; Peggy Piette Littleton, N.H.; Brenda J. Ruest, Madawaska; Deece Ruggles, Camden; Beth-Annis Satter, North Conway, N.H.; Wendy A. Sirois, Madawaska; Karla R. Sullivan, Aroostook, New Brunswick, Canada; Betsy L. Taggett, Fort Kent; Traci A. Weatherhead, Lewiston; and Stacey L. Wood, Limestone.