Photo: Dr. Marylou Mercado, Vice President of Workforce Development, Health Sciences, and Public Services, addresses graduates from Yavapai College’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, and Practical Nursing programs during the 2026 Nursing Pinning Ceremony
The next generation of healthcare providers made an impressive and moving debut at the Jim & Lee Performing Arts Center on Friday, May 1 as Yavapai College ‘pinned’ the 2026 Nursing Class.
Twenty-seven Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates; fifty-six Associate of Applied Science in Nursing graduates and thirty-three Practical Nursing graduates donned their pins, thanked their loved ones and raised their hands for the Florence Nightingale Oath as Yavapai College honored the 2026 Nursing Class.
“Today, we gather to celebrate an extraordinary group of individuals—our soon-to-be-pinned nurses. You’ve poured your energy, your intellect, and your hearts into this journey. And today, we recognize you not only for what you’ve achieved, but for who you are: compassionate, highly skilled, unshakable professionals.” said Dr. Lisa Rhine, Yavapai College President “You’ve pushed through discomfort, the doubt and the sacrifice to achieve something that is uniquely yours. No one can take away the skills that you have learned and that you will use to help and to heal. So today, as we pin you and welcome you into this noble profession, know that the world needs exactly what you’ve become—skilled hands, sharp minds, and open hearts.”
The Spring 2006 graduating class included student nurses who completed their coursework at both the Prescott and Verde Valley campuses. The Bachelor of Nursing, Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, and Licensed Practical Nursing graduates shared a ceremony that blended ethics, tradition and spontaneous joy.
“Nurses are the backbone of healthcare. You will be the steady presence in moment of uncertainty, the advocate when a voice is needed, and the skilled professional who bring healing, comfort, and hope” Dr. Marylou Mercado, Vice President of Workforce Development, Health Sciences, and Public Services told nursing graduates during the ceremony. “Your contribution will not only fill essential roles in our county’s healthcare system – it will elevate the quality of care for every individual and family you encounter.”
“They say, ‘Save one life, you’re a hero. Save hundreds of lives, you’re a nurse.’” Instructor Stephanie Irwin told the graduates. “But how do we do that? The obvious answer is during traumas, rapid responses, and code blues. But the truth is, you will save lives in the quiet, ordinary moments no one sees. In the way you speak to your patients. In the kindness you choose, even when you’re exhausted. In the moments where you slow down, listen, and remind someone that they are not alone. Being a nurse isn’t just about saving lives in moments of crisis. It’s about showing up, again and again, with empathy, with presence, and with heart. And today, we celebrate that.”
Yavapai College Nursing Instructor Trevor Nordin challenged the new BSN students to become leaders in the health care system.
“With this degree, you are positioned to shape practice, champion evidence-based care, and challenge the ‘this is how we’ve always done it’ mindset,” Nordin said. “But as you do so, remember that leadership in nursing is grounded in trust, as well. Your colleagues will trust you. Your patients will trust you. Your communities will trust you. Lead in a way that honors that trust.”
The Nursing program presented awards at each academic level. Leadership awards went to: April Beltran (ADN); Erika Weaver (ADN); and Marie Menges (LPN).
Scholarship Award recipients were: Matthew Arvo (BSN); Megan Franklin (ADN); and Rebecca Marie Renti-Cruz (ADN); and Brooke Redmon (LPN).
The emotional highlight of the graduation, the pinning ceremony, harkens back to the days of Florence Nightingale, who was decorated for service in the Crimean War. In a Yavapai College tradition, graduates are called to the stage, one-by-one, and pinned by family members or loved ones, while the graduate’s recorded statement of thanks plays on the speakers above.
The ceremony concluded with Dr. Jennifer Ritter, Dean of Health Sciences, who led the new nurses in the Florence Nightingale Pledge. Then Practical Nursing Instructor Mollie Lucero presented the Yavapai College Nursing Program’s Spring 2026 graduating class:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-BSN)
Angela Allen
Gianmarco Anzelmo
Matthew Arvo
Christopher Carrizosa
Cycy Conrey
Tiffany Dalton
Candace Denton
Jennifer Faucher
Alexis Haidet
Stephanie Holt
Trena Hudson
Noi Jackson
Nichole Mack
Kristen Martin
Jennifer Martinez
Marty Matzke
Audra Miller
Guadalupe Ocampo Guarda
Maria Ortiz
Lindsey Paloutzian
David Podkowa
Jadira Quiroz
Kaylee Rhodes
Ashley Rios
Melynda San Agustin
Layla Sheldon
Michelle Woosley
Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
April Beltran
Victoria Black
Daniel Brunner
Alexis Calia
Brenen Clark
Justyce Clark
Makayla Clark
Ryan Contreras
Paris Dera
Adrian Diaz
Sarah Downing
Megan Franklin
Luke Gale
Briana Gama
Nicole Garcia
Mike Gonzalez
Samantha Gray
Daisy Hacker
Alyssa Hamm
Autumn Hamud
Taylor Harrison
Alitzel Hernandez Ortiz
Kori Hewitt
Halie Holleman
Katherine Jaime
William Kircher
Doreen Kiyaani
Gabriell Langford
Mary Grace Larson
Sarah Lawrence
Mariah Loftin
Leigh Ann Lopez
Cassidee Low
Candace Moreno
Kendra Moreno Galaz
Rebecca Morris
Raven Paccioni
Reanna Pierce
Mary Pitz
Kimberly Pulido
Laura Purdy
Charlotte Reed
Rebecca Marie Renti-Cruz
Emily Robinson
Ben Rogers
Rachel Royse
Lauren Sage
America Sandoval
Katie Scarpace
Hunter Schoemaker
Eileen Soto
Kassidy Ward
Erika Weaver
Hedda Westlake
Dade Woodard
Gabriela Yenz Brito
Practical Nursing Graduates
Renee Ahearn
Yohali Almaraz Lira
Brianna Barnes
Jordanne Brown
Marquisia Castellanos
Nicole Christensen
Debi Cummings
Ashley Duvaul
Audrey Falzarano
Almeida Fuentes
Jessica Keller
Lily Kuckuck
Leah Lavelle
Ruth Lusk
Elva Marin Gil
Juanita Mays
Gavin Miller-Laughery
Marie Menges
Hannah Morris
Bella Nowlin
Daisy Oliva-Sanchez
Melanie Patton
Talia Peralta
Arizema Pineda
Tonia Ponce
Laura Prokopec
Brooke Redmon
Hannah Rendon
Robert Soria
Darlin Tesillo
Rachel Ward
Bryston White
Kelli Woodall
_____
Yavapai College operates seven campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, six baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities. To learn more about Yavapai College, visit www.yc.edu.
