DMACC President Rob Denson delivered the keynote address Thursday afternoon at the annual Perry VanKirk Career Academy Certified Nursing Assistants Fall Pinning Ceremony, where 17 students were honored for completing the CNA program.
Denson recently announced that he will step down in December after leading the Des Moines Area Community College system for 22 years.
“As I reflect on my final commencement season at DMACC, I’m inspired by the drive and determination of our students,” said Denson. “Their success is what makes DMACC such a special place, and I’m proud to be part of their journey.”
A large crowd filled the Spring Valley Ballroom of the Hotel Pattee for the ceremony, with supportive attendees including family members, DMACC staff and area high school counselors. DMACC Site Director Eddie Diaz welcomed students and attendees and outlined the origins of the pinning ceremony, which has deep roots, he said.
“The pinning ceremony has roots from the 12th century when knights who aided the sick and infirmed were given a Maltese cross to wear,” Diaz said. “This pinning ceremony is tied to the Red Cross of St. George Award, presented in the 1800s to Florence Nightingale for her service during the Crimean War. Our hope is that today’s pinning is the first of several milestones on the students’ career paths in the healthcare profession.”
The VanKirk Career Academy CNA graduates are eligible to work at long-term care facilities in Iowa. Upon their completion of state testing, they obtain their advanced CNA certification, allowing them to work in hospital settings.
Students awarded their CNA pins Thursday were:
- Baylea Blazek (ADM)
- Juilonna Lessman (ADM)
- Erikah Maness (ADM)
- Macey Fitzgerald (DCG)
- Joseph Johnston (DCG)
- Jewel Perkins (DCG)
- Alexandra Aguilar (Perry)
- Elsie Aguilar (Perry)
- Michael Alberto (Perry)
- Stacy Flores (Perry)
- Fithawit Goitom (Perry)
- Alejandra Hernandez (Perry)
- Jetzibe Lopez (Perry)
- Sofia Martinez-Soriano (Perry)
- Fiorella Oliver (Perry)
- Oriana Meyefs (WCV)
- Faith Rasmussen (WG)
Diaz introduced the CNA Program instructors, Danielle Navarro and Megan Nikolish, Owen Meyers and Katie Tuel.
“Our students have dedicated themselves this semester to early morning classes, late night clinicals, and weekends of studying to get to this point,” Tuel said. “They are now able to celebrate an achievement for those countless hours. These students are a wonderful group that will be a great asset to our healthcare system. I wish them all the best moving forward in their healthcare careers.”
Tom Lipovac, Career Advantage advisor, also congratulated the students on their hard work.
“Our students devoted hours of study in the classroom gaining knowledge and practicing essential healthcare skills,” Lipovac said. “In addition, sixty hours of clinical experience are a key component of Basic CNA and Advanced CNA coursework. These students are beginning a pathway of dedicated service while pursuing their life’s calling. In caring for life, in one of the most noble of professions, their future is bright, promising and impactful.”
Thousands of high school students take advantage of Des Moines Area Community College’s Career Advantage offerings each year, giving them a jump start on their academic and career goals while taking tuition-free college courses. With this early start on college, students gain hands-on experience that can lead directly to a degree, diploma, certification, apprenticeship or a job — all while saving time and money.
Spring semester registration is now open. For more information, talk to your high school counselor or contact the DMACC at Perry VanKirk Career Academy at 1011 Second St. in Perry, 515-428-8100.
The annual DMACC Perry Tacopalooza followed the pinning ceremonies and continues until 7 p.m., with local vendors selling $1 tacos.
