Middlesex Community College celebrated the achievements of 18 graduates of the class of 2026 with a Nursing Pinning on Friday, February 6. Held at the Lowell Cowan Center Cafeteria, the ceremony pinned students from the college’s nursing program as they begin their careers in the field. Kaleigh Jenness, of Lexington, was chosen by her peers to represent them at the ceremony as class speaker.
“Being named the speaker at this year’s pinning is an incredible honor,” Jenness said. “I’ve always tried to make everyone feel welcome and to keep our group connected, and it means a lot to me that I’m trusted with this role. This event is important because it represents how far we’ve come. We worked extremely hard to earn our nursing degrees, and this ceremony truly marks the beginning of what our lives as nurses will be.”
Planning to continue her education to earn a bachelor’s and then master’s degree, Jenness will start working as a nightshift registered nurse in the Plymouth Emergency Room. Jenness credits MCC professors and her peers for her success at the college. While supportive faculty members offered guidance, her nursing cohort created a strong sense of community.
For graduate Elizabeth Healey, of Billerica, the professors also had a positive impact on her experience. Close to home, she chose to attend Middlesex because of the program’s high passing rate for the National Council of Licensure Examination (NCLEX). While completing the program, Healey was also pregnant and delivered a baby in her final year.
“My overall experience at MCC was profound in many ways,” Healey said. “It’s no secret that nursing school is a challenge. The school is so fortunate to have truly wonderful staff that really care about the education of the nursing students, and who also have a great experience educating us.”
Meghan Lapin, of Littleton, also benefitted from having a close cohort of peers in the program. At MCC, she appreciated the variety of clinical locations offered throughout the program. With a background in case management for women in addiction recovery, her hope is to one day work in pediatric oncology. The ceremony felt like a meaningful way to recognize the hard work completed by her and her classmates as they enter the field.
“[The pinning ceremony] honors the hard work, resilience, and dedication required to complete the program, while symbolizing the responsibility and compassion we carry into the profession,” Lapin said. “This journey is open to anyone willing to work hard, regardless of where they are in life. While my path to graduation looked different than I originally expected, I am deeply indebted to MCC for the experiences, growth, and meaningful connections I gained along the way.”
During the ceremony, students received their pins before speaking the Contemporary Nightingale Pledge as a group. Created in 1893 by a nursing instructor, the updated version was created by MCC faculty to reflect newer practices. Including a call to remember the core values of the profession, the pinning recognizes the transition from student nurse to nursing professional.
“I could not be prouder of our nursing students,” said Susan Lavallee, MCC’s Director of Nurse Education. “The amount of time and effort they put into their education – while also carrying so many other life responsibilities – is truly remarkable and awe inspiring. They have chosen a profession that for 25 years in a row has been ranked as the most trusted of all professions. Each of these graduates understands the honor and awesome responsibility that comes with this designation.”
