Photo provided to the Times Observer Fourteen people graduated from the Venango Technology Center’s Practical Nursing Program in Warren last month. In the photo are, front, from left, Dr. Cindy Cornelius, Kallie Tuszynski, Kai Knox, Morgan Warren and Heidi Kucenski; middle, Leslie Davis, Videlia Roller, Jessica Mc Mahon, Broklyn Teeter, Stacy Haight and Amber Cann and, back, Hunter Lamas, Ricky Muczynski, Jenna Hunt, Kirstin Phillips, Amanda Windsor, Abagail Sherwood and Andrew Ryan.

Venango Technology Center’s Practical Nursing Program in Warren has 14 new graduates.

The students – who enrolled last August – graduated last week from the program which is not ranked 5th out of Pennsylvani’s 52 practical nursing programs.

Graduation was held at the Interfaith Chapel on the Warren State Hospital grounds.

“The program is structured as a hybrid model, in which students attend classes online and in-person, as well as participate in clinical experiences at local healthcare facilities,” Angela Bigelow, assistant director for the Warren Forest Higher Education Council, said. “This innovative approach has prepared the graduates to meet the demands of the nursing field with a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills.”

The in-person classes were held at Hi-Ed.

Vidalia Roller was recognized as the student with the highest academic score while Amanda Windsor, Kai Knox and Jenna Hunt were recognized for leadership as members of the student council.

“The graduating class also faced a profound loss with the passing of their classmate, Tricia Roller, just weeks before graduation,” Bigelow added. “A table was set up in her remembrance during the ceremony, which included a posthumous diploma.

“Congratulations to these graduates as they embark on their careers in nursing, filling a much-needed role in the healthcare industry. We are confident that their dedication and hard work will make a significant impact in the communities they serve.”

The next cohort will start in August.

“As we prepare for the program to begin in August, we are eager to attract more students who are passionate about pursuing a career in practical nursing,” Bigelow said.