HANCEVILLE, Ala. – Wallace State Community College’s Department of Nursing Education recently celebrated more than 100 students at its August pinning ceremony held at the Betty Leeth Haynes Theatre inside the Garlan Gudger Student Center.
“This evening, we gather here in the spirit of celebration and achievement,” said Deborah “Pepper” Hoover, chair of the Nursing program. “Each graduate has embarked on a journey filled with dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment. As you stand on the precipice of your nursing careers, I want you to take a moment to reflect on the path that led you here — the late-night study sessions, the clinical rotations, the camaraderie with your peers, and the countless lives you’ve touched along the way.”
“I want to join all of the voices here and say congratulations to each and every one of you. We are so proud of you,” said WSCC President Dr. Vicki Karolewics.
It was noted that the Nursing program was once again recognized as a Center of Excellence by the National League for Nursing and that the college was designated a Rising Star by the Aspen Institute.
“What that means is of 1,200 community colleges in this country, we are really ranked third in the U.S., and that’s because of our student outcomes,” Karolewics said of the Rising Star designation. “These students have had an exceptional education and we attribute that to the finest nursing faculty anywhere in the United States.”
Class President Sara Kate Wilks and Class Representative Molly Lauderdale addressed the audience.
“Today, we leave not just with knowledge, but with grit, compassion and a calling,” Wilks said after outlining some of the more challenging lessons she and her classmates faced. “Nursing school was hard, but it was also a gift. I’m truly humbled to have walked this road with all of you.”
Lauderdale inspired to become nurse by those who cared for her
Lauderdale shared the inspirational story of how she chose to start a second career as a nurse after experiencing her own medical emergencies.
“This moment represents more than just the end of a rigorous program, it represents a journey, a calling and, in my case, a second chance.”
Lauderdale worked for many years in education as a teacher and counselor. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a routine surgery led to complications that caused an infection that was then complicated when she contracted COVID-19 and went into septic shock, followed by both her lungs and kidneys failing. She spent more than 50 days in ICU at Grandview Medical Center.
“I was isolated, unable to communicate, and my family couldn’t be by my side because of COVID precautions,” she said. “But in the middle of all of that darkness, there was light. That light came from my nurses.”
Lauderdale eventually recovered after months of rehab, home health and outpatient therapy and returned to work. She later retired from education but felt a new calling to become a nurse and found Wallace State’s program, where she said she was greeted with kindness, warmth and professionalism.
During her last semester in the Nursing program, Lauderdale served her preceptorship at Grandview, in the same intensive care unit where she fought for her life.
“To return not as a patient but as a caregiver has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Lauderdale said. “I got to see the other side of that trial and walk that unit with a new purpose.
“I know each of us has our own why for choosing nursing,” she added. “Mine comes from deep personal pain, but also profound gratitude. I entered nursing school because I was inspired by the ones who saved me. And now, I hope to be that nurse for someone else.”
Lauderdale was one of three students recognized as a Nightingale Award recipient. She and fellow graduates Diana Sanchez and Cody Roberts were each presented with the award that is given in recognition of commitment to excellence in scholarship and dedication to compassion and exemplary care.
Other Nightingale Award nominees were Alan Bravo Reynoso, Jayci Donnelly, Haley Dumas, Courtney Hice, Ferlandra McGinnis, Camryn Norman, Adam Purvis, Ella Rounsaville, Madison Schaugaard, Savannah Sinyard, Julianna Walker, Lexi Weber and Heather Webster.
Diana Sanchez, Cody Roberts and Molly Lauderdale received the Nightingale Award during the pinning ceremony for August graduates of the Wallace State Community College Nursing program. (Wallace State)
The Wallace State Nursing August Class of 2025 includes:
Adamsville: Lauren Hawkins, Sara McGough
Addison: Savannah Sinyard
Adger: Alexys Shipley
Alabaster: Dulanjani De Silva
Albertville: Victor Bravo-Velasquez
Altoona: Alexis Brody, Holland Cyndal
Arab: Ragan Barnes, Diana Sanchez, Kaylie Sinatynski, Sara Kate Wilks
Arley: Ashlyn Ackley, Lydia Miller
Ashville: Amyclaire Buckner
Attalla: Katharina “Nikki” Whitt
Birmingham: Jill Armstrong, Gloria Hogan, Natalie Humphrey, Ashley Lee, Shayla Murphy, Chalsea Williams
Blountsville: Juanita Saucedo
Boaz: Haley Dumas
Cleveland: Cody Roberts, Amanda Kay Smith
Cullman: Alan Bravo Reynoso Jayci Handley Donnelly, Tiffany Howell, Lorrin Jones, Maggie Keeton, Britney Mays, Marianna Kammerlocher, Lynden Morris, Michaela Murray, Cloey Taylor, Julianna Walker
Dora: Ebony Hildreth, Ali Hollis, Heather Reeves
Eufaula: Keyneshia Johnson
Eva: Taylor Patton
Falkville: Abagail Goodwin
Fultondale: Hailea Kennedy, Adam Purvis, Jennifer Wickert
Gadsden: David Crowe
Gardendale: Rose Crocker, Sarah Murphy, Hannah O’Laire, Brittany Sanborn, Garret Sisson
Guntersville: Leslie Gonzalez
Hanceville: Emily Mathis, Brian O’Boyle, Madison Schaugaard, Kierra Schulz, Alyssa Womack
Hartselle: Ty Kerby, Buffy Rasche
Hayden: Kimberly Franklin, Caidyn Rochell
Holly Pond: Brittany Tucker
Hoover: Andrietta Kimber, Ella Rounsaville
Horton: Molly Lauderdale
Hueytown: Ferlandra McGinnis, Krishay Smith
Irondale: Jaydin Delemus
Jasper: Courtney Hice, Jasmine Moore, Macee Rogers
Joppa: Aubrey Finklea
Lincoln: Crystal Patterson
Logan: Brylie Pearce
Madison: Sydney Rasberry, Tyia Wilson
Moody: Mandy Branaman
Morris: Laney King
Mount Olive: Jenna Newland
Nauvoo: Brandi Blackwell
Odenville: Kalley Mason, Mykayla Moore, Camryn Norman
Oneonta: Payten Burns, Samantha Bynum, Adriana Doyal, Addison Garnett, Savannah Kirby, Ahna Teal
Oxford: Miranda Wells
Ozark: Will Grider
Pinson: Holli Austin, Janell Jones
Riverside: Abby Harris
Scottsboro: Hannah Chanthavong
Sheffield: Krysten Mellott
Springville: Brinley Kelley, Heather Webster, Peyton Young
Steele: Jessica Noah
Sylvan Springs: Hannah Nguyen
Trafford: Kelly Trantham
Trinity: Amelia Lowery
Union Grove: Ken Long
Vinemont: Emma Guthrie, Jennifer Marks, Faith Rusk
Warrior: Jonathan Mann
Wellington: Lexi Weber
Belmont, Miss.: Sarah Brown
Hoosick Falls, NY: Stephanie Sacilowski
The Wallace State Nursing program is accepting applications through Oct. 1 for Spring 2026 entry, with options for the traditional practical nursing certificate and associate degree nursing and joint enrollment options through UAB and Athens State.
For more information about the Wallace State Nursing program, visit www.wallacestate.edu/nursing, email nursingapplicant@wallacestate.edu, or phone 256-352-8199.
