INA, Ill. (June 26, 2025) Rend Lake College’s Associate Degree Nursing Program proudly presented the 2025 LPN Pinning Ceremony today in the college theater. The event celebrated the achievements of Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) students, honoring their hard work and dedication in the program.
The ceremony began with a processional, followed by a warm welcome from Dr. Susan Wiley, DNP, MSN, RN, and Director of Nursing at RLC. Lexie Sala led the gathering in prayer before Emma Wisehart, this year’s class speaker, addressed her fellow graduates with some inspiring words and reflections on their shared academic journeys so far.
The main highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of pins, a long-standing tradition symbolizing the transition from student to professional practice. Faculty members Denise Griffith, MSN, RN; Zach Hostetter, MSN, RN; and Sarah Hopfinger, MSN, RN had the honor of presenting the pins to this year’s cohort.
Following the presentation, graduate Jayla Shelton led the class in reciting the Nightingale Pledge, a core part of the ceremony. The pledge underscores their commitment to compassionate and ethical nursing. The event concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Wiley and a recessional.
The following LPN students were pinned during the ceremony:
- Leah Anselment
- Julie Bean
- Elisabeth Blumeyer
- Chelsea Bonilla
- Robin Carr
- Shianne Dejear
- Elizabeth Eastham
- Stephanie Garcia
- Paige Greenwalt
- Karlea Harris
- Morgan Heil
- Tylar Helbig
- Josie Jackson
- Brooklyn Knight
- Kris Kreger
- Saylor Lappin
- Raegan McDaniel
- Lillian McKinney
- K-Sha Morgan
- Kameron Muhammad
- Karlie Murphy
- Jade Neal
- Mariah Newman
- Michael Parks
- Khrystie Peyton
- Lexie Sala
- Kelly Sehlke
- Jayla Shelton
- Mackenzie Sullivan
- Tori Trout
- Isabella Wilson
- Emma Wisehart
- Hallie Woodrow
- Kaitlyn Worley
Allied Health faculty and staff in attendance, included:
- Dr. Susan Wiley, DNP, MSN, RN, Director of Nursing
- Denise Griffith, MSN, RN, Associate Professor
- Sarah Hopfinger, MSN, RN, Associate Professor
- Zach Hostetter, MSN, RN, Associate Professor
- Cheyenne McCoy, MSN, RN, Associate Professor
Rend Lake College congratulates the 2025 LPN graduates and wishes them success as they advance in their nursing careers.
Get started with nursing at RLC by enrolling in the fall CNA program. Click here if you are interested.
For more information or media inquiries, please contact Marketing & Communications at 618-437-5321 Ext. 1223 or info@rlc.edu.
About Rend Lake College
Rend Lake College is a nationally ranked college in southern Illinois with campuses located at Ina, Mt. Vernon and Pinckneyville. Founded in 1967 and nationally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 1969, Rend Lake provides its district and the region with real world educational opportunities through more than 100 degree and certificate options. RLC’s mission is to provide open access to lifelong education across cultural and economic boundaries to the diverse student population it serves. RLC believes every employee has a part in its values — student-focused, authentic and resourceful. Embedded in every program of study are four fundamental learning objectives: critical thinking, problem solving, oral communication, and written communication.
