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The 2012 graduating class of the Marion S. Whelan School of Practical Nursing
Marion S. Whelan School of Practical Nursing
Celebrates 2012 Commencement
The 2012 graduating class of the Marion S. Whelan School of Practical Nursing included three from Seneca County, all of whom also won awards at the graduation ceremony.
The Marion S. Whelan School of Practical Nursing (MSWSPN) recently celebrated the commencement of their 77thgraduating class. The class of 13 students is now eligible to take their Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) exam. Graduates include: Jessica Lynn Arnold of Geneva; Felicia Chernega of Seneca Falls; Sarah Kathleen Coogan of Canandaigua; Jessica Anne Davis of Stanley; Elizabeth A. Leonard of Canandaigua; Nicole L. Luckinbill of Seneca Falls; Kelly Lynn Parker of Newark; Kayla V. Sosnowski of Farmington; Melissa-Ann M. West of Interlaken; Stacey Marie Westermann of Stanley; Emily Birmingham from Rochester; Kristy Holtby from Newark and Brandy Leigh Whipple of Dundee.
Awards were given to many outstanding graduates: Jessica Davis received the Fidelia Harman Memorial Award for highest academic achievement in nursing courses; Kayla Sosnowski and Melissa-Ann West received the Marion S. Whelan Memorial Award recognizing a graduate nurse(s) who exemplifies the characteristics of dedication to nursing and self-discipline which were not only a part of Miss Whelan’s life, but are exemplified every day in the professionalism and dedication shown by the nurses in the Finger Lakes Health Education Department and throughout the organization; Felicia Chernega received the Kathleen “Rita” Talbert Memorial Award for demonstrating willpower and determination in achieving her goal despite obstacles; Melissa-Ann West received the Thomas I. Whelan Memorial Award for demonstrating in her life and in nursing school the motto “Faith-Hope-Charity”; Nicole Luckinbill was presented the William J. DiCicco Memorial Award honoring the graduate who exhibits devotion to family, a strong work ethic, the value of education and love of country; Elizabeth Leonard received the Practical Nurse Licensing and Examination Award for exemplifying, through written illustration, the personal commitment and dedication needed to travel the journey that nursing school presents; Sarah Coogan received the MSWSPN Student Achievement Award for demonstrating consistent growth through her awareness of patient needs and achievement in nursing performance and Jason Kolwalski, a 2007 MSWSPN graduate, received The Janet Lynn Simmons award which recognizes an individual who has exhibited the compassion, skills, and service that has him apart from others. This award also recognizes those who manifest outstanding compassion and caring behaviors.
The Marion S. Whelan School of Practical Nursing, one of only three hospital-based nursing programs in New York State, was founded in 1956. Since that time, it has graduated over 1,600 nurses. Congratulations to the graduating class of 2012 for their outstanding achievements.
