Jolene Toney is Valedictorian of 22nd SVGSN Graduation

Valedictorian of the 22nd SVG School of Nursing graduation and prize giving ceremony Jolene Toney has named determination, dedication and sacrifice as the key determinants in her becoming a Registered Nurse.{{more}}

The graduation ceremony, which was held under the theme: “Touching the world through healing hands” was held on Thursday, March 27, 2008.

Toney, delivering her Valedictory speech to 79 other graduates and the rest of the packed Faith Temple Church in New Montrose, said that her journey, which started over three years ago, was no walk in the park.

“This journey was marked by sleepless nights and long hours, but we all prevailed,” Toney said.

The Valedictorian received the Yvonne Francis-Gibson Shield and prize from The School of Nursing Student Association (SONSA) for being the most outstanding RN student. She was also named the most outstanding performer in the Regional Examination for Nurse Registration General Nursing Council Award.

Toney said that on entering the nursing profession, she made a vow to be a well rounded individual after completing her studies. “Today is proof of what I set out to do from the start,” she stated.

Keynote Speaker and Registered Nurse Ann DeRoche told the graduates they represent a noble profession and that it ought to be treated with pride. DeRoche added that a world of challenges and trying times awaits them, but urged them to display a high level of professionalism at all times.

DeRoche said that Nursing would afford them the opportunity to not only deliver health care to persons but also to touch lives, families and communities.

Also receiving awards were Kassanta Alexander, who copped the award for Most Outstanding Registered Student in Theory; Most Outstanding Registered Nursing student in Clinical Nursing went to Ann Cyrus, who also received the Cecily Isaacs Prize for the Most Outstanding student in Pediatrics Clinical.(KW)