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On May 20, 2026, Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) celebrated the accomplishments of its Class of 2026 associate degree in nursing graduates at their traditional pinning ceremony. The ceremony was held at the Theatre at the Mount, following the School of Nursing and Health Sciences Commencement exercises. The pinning ceremony marks a significant milestone in the journey of these dedicated nursing students as they transition from academic preparation to professional practice.
“I am so proud of each and every one of you, knowing that, moving forward, you will be caring for, listening to, and having empathy for people in our community. It’s an enormous source of pride for all of us here today,” said MWCC President James Vander Hooven.
“It has been a long two years learning everything you needed to know in order to become a registered nurse. This was difficult because the curriculum and clinical schedules were demanding and extremely time-consuming. For many, this was also difficult because of the life challenges that you have faced while in the program. Many of you have shared these challenges aloud; many have held them in silence. Rest assured that your struggles have not gone unnoticed,” shared Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences Kimberly Shea. “You have fought for this, and you have won. I, along with the faculty and staff of MWCC, am extremely proud of you all.”
“I would also like to say thank you to our graduates for doing the work that it takes to enter the nursing profession at this time,” Shea continued. “The path was, and is a difficult one, and one that you did not have to choose. You may not realize it, but your choice will have a generational impact on our families, our communities, and our healthcare system as a whole. For that, we are grateful to you.”
The ceremony, attended by faculty, staff, families, and friends, highlighted the dedication, hard work, and resilience of the graduates throughout their nursing education. Each graduate was individually recognized and presented with a nursing pin, symbolizing their readiness to uphold the highest standards of patient care, compassion, and professionalism. The students shared words of thanks with those who supported them through their education.
The graduates, in order by hometown, are:
Rebeca Campuzano Herrera, Athol, MA
Jessica Joan Jacques, Athol, MA
Marisa Jean Richards, Athol, MA
Jonathan B. Lee, Belchertown, MA
Michaela V. Carofaniello, Charlton, MA
Meaghan Paige Banister, Fitchburg, MA
Kayla Annette Cintron, Fitchburg, MA
Mary Rose Katona, Fitchburg, MA
Elizabeth Larios, Fitchburg, MA
Gladys Petit Bois, Fitchburg, MA
Isabel Colmenares Vining, Fitchburg, MA
Annastasia Anderson, Gardner, MA
Shania Cassey, Gardner, MA
Lesley E. Goguen, Gardner, MA
Amanda Leila Tadros, Hubbardston, MA
Damien Kenneth Fox, Lancaster, MA
Lindsey Brooks, Leominster, MA
Kaley Marie Colby, Leominster, MA
Jennifer A. D’Olimpio, Leominster, MA
Veronica Isabel Shelton, Leominster, MA
Jocelyn L. Sosa, Leominster, MA
Elida Zepeda, Leominster, MA
Gregory J. Walker, Methuen, MA
Sandra M. Namwanje, North Billerica, MA
Micalyn Faith Mailloux, Orange, MA
Brianna K. Russell, Orange, MA
Chloe Z. Werlinger, Pepperell, MA
Katheryn Garland Grandbois, Petersham, MA
Amari Rae Dahrooge, Rutland, MA
Alyssa Marie Maldonado, Rutland, MA
Sophia Nicole Mason, Rutland, MA
Sharon Mwathi, South Grafton, MA
Luciane Puerari Lindvay, Spencer, MA
Emily Khoury, Sterling, MA
Laura Elizabeth Viano, Sterling, MA
Hannah Helen Owen, Sutton, MA
Noella Maki, Templeton, MA
Amanda Fitzgerald, Winchendon, MA
Courtney A. Lively, Winchendon, MA
Esther Waithea Kuria, Worcester, MA
Gilbert M. Wanyoike, Worcester, MA
Summer Chamberlain, Jaffrey, NH