Published on December 18, 2025 9:17 am
Last Updated on December 18, 2025 9:17 am
Graduating nurses received their pins at the 2025 Lake Land College Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to Associate Degree Nurse (ADN) Bridge program pinning ceremony.
The LPN to ADN Bridge program provides a pathway for current LPNs to advance in their careers by becoming Registered Nurses with one additional year of coursework.
During the ceremony, several students received awards in recognition of outstanding professionalism, patient care and performance in the LPN to ADN Bridge Program.
Minnie Gadison, Mattoon, received the Peer Award for demonstrating excellence in both the classroom and in clinical through professionalism, a caring nature and a cooperative spirit.
The Patient Advocate Award was presented to Jessica Williamson, Sullivan, for displaying professionalism and compassionate care in the ADN program.
Brandy Watson, Beecher City, received the Heart of Positivity Award for demonstrating kindness, resilience and care in every interaction, helping patients feel safe and valued.
Aimee Gooden, Charleston, received the Marilyn Fuqua Thompson Nursing Award, which is given each year to a graduating student who is considered to be the all-around best student in the class. Selected by faculty vote, the recipient must demonstrate superb professional skills and responsibility, leverage a strong scientific knowledge base to make and communicate wise decisions and maintain high levels of compassion and composure, often in crises situations. Gooden’s name will be engraved on a plaque that is located in the nursing skills lab in Neal Hall.
The following area students received pins at the ceremony:
Cassie Fancher of Mason…Taylor Hawbaker of Shelbyville…Ava King of Effingham…Chelsea Munoz of Effingham…Madora Seibert of Mode…Ella Shuler of Neoga…Paul Smith of Effingham…Rebecca Teal of Beecher City…Brandy Watson of Beecher City…and Aila-Jai Woomer of Effingham.
