INA, Ill. (July 22, 2026) — Rend Lake College held a pinning ceremony on June 25 to celebrate students who successfully completed the college's Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) program.
The ceremony began with a processional, followed by a warm welcome from RLC Director of Nursing Dr. Susan Wiley (DNP, MSN, RN). Halle Smith led the gathering in prayer before Lilyann Lentz, this year’s class speaker, addressed her fellow graduates with some inspiring words and reflections on their shared academic journeys so far.
Halle Smith leads the ceremony in a prayer.
Class Speaker Lilyann Lentz gives a speech to her fellow graduates.
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 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 Autum Thorpe 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.
Autum Thorpe leads the LPN graduates in the Nightingale Pledge.
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Tanner Bailey Autumn Baxter Christy Brooks Sarah Buckman Mackenzie Burke Alora Campbell Kealey Cheatham Ava Davenport Jessalyn Eubanks Chelsey Greenwalt Josie Greenwalt Danyelle Hess Chloe Jackson Gemma Kinkade Rylee Langa Justice Lanham Hannah Lebron Lilyann Lentz Rebekah Maddox Jessica Marshall |
Bryleigh Matthews Madisyn Melton Addyson Minton Madyison Pinkham Roo Richardson Brittanie Skaggs Emily Smith Halle Smith Minna Smith Emily Swan Autum Thorpe Paige Vanfossan Connor Villani Brylynn Wallace Kristionna Whitmire-Wilfong Annie Wilkerson Robert Wilkie Taylor Woolard Shelbi Yanez |
For more information on the LPN program, visit rlc.edu/nursing or email ah_info@rlc.edu.