Twenty-four students graduated from Venango Technology Center's Hi-Ed Campus Practical Nursing Program.

The Venango Technology Center’s Hi-Ed Campus Practical Nursing Program celebrated the graduation of its Class of 2026 last month at the Warren State Hospital Interfaith Chapel.

Family, friends, faculty, and staff gathered to recognize the accomplishments of the 24 graduates, who successfully completed the program’s challenging 11-month curriculum.

Dr. Cynthia Cornelius, Director of Nursing, welcomed graduates and their families to the ceremony and congratulated the class on their dedication and perseverance throughout the program. She acknowledged the many hours of classroom instruction, clinical experience, and hard work that prepared the graduates to begin their nursing careers.

Graduates also heard remarks from Student Government Representative Melissa A. Blea, Hannah A. Payne, and Samantha R. Wingard, who reflected on the friendships, challenges, and experiences that shaped their time in the program. Kiersten K. Ferguson was recognized for earning the highest grade point average in the graduating class.

Faculty members Dawn M. Guiffre, Leslie R. Davis, and Heidi J. Steger presented each graduate with a diploma and nursing pin, recognizing the successful completion of the program. The ceremony concluded with the class reciting the Practical Nurses’ Pledge, marking their commitment to providing compassionate, ethical, and professional care.

Graduates of the 2026 class include Jaydem E. Almeda, Melissa A. Blea, Katelynn R. Clark, Katyra A. Cornelius, Casey L. Eastman, Kiersten K. Ferguson, Sanita H. Gaymon, Jessica A. Gebauer, Trista L. Gerdy, Trista S. Hanlin, Ashley N. Kulp, Trinity E. Lannager, Alexis R. McGahen, Aaron P. McGrath, Jody L. Newton, Alexandria L. Norris, Hannah A. Payne, Cynthia D. Phillips, Annabel M. Sheldon, Kristen M. Sheldon, Payge R. Sumrow-Jones, Kaylee E. Welch, Abigail M. Williams, and Samantha R. Wingard.

Applications are currently being accepted for the next Practical Nursing class at the Warren campus. The accredited, 11-month program prepares students for careers as Licensed Practical Nurses through classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experience. For more information, visit www.vtc1.org, email dguiffre@vtc1.org, or call (814) 406-0075. Additional information about the Warren campus program is also available through https://www.hi-ed.org/vtc-practical-nursing-program. The program is fully accredited and approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.

Warren Forest Higher Education Council is located at 589 Hospital Drive, Suite F, Warren, PA. Phone: 814-723-3222