Dyersburg State Community College proudly celebrated its Spring Class of 2026 during a heartfelt Nurse Pinning Ceremony held on May 7th at the E.H. Lannom, Jr. Gymnasium. The ceremony was filled with warmth, pride, and a shared commitment to nursing as graduates were honored for their significant achievements.
Mr. Jimmy Williams, Jr. opened the event with an invocation, setting a reflective tone for the evening. Ms. Kim Chrestman then welcomed guests, introduced the program, and congratulated the graduates. Dr. Scott Cook, President of Dyersburg State Community College, shared inspiring remarks, emphasizing the hard work and dedication required to succeed in the nursing field. This was followed by the recognition of class officers by Dr. Abby Brundige, who celebrated the leadership these individuals have shown throughout their journey.
Advanced Standing Class President, Ms. Kinsey Lewis; the Traditional Evening Class President, Mr. Jimmy Williams, Jr.; and the Traditional Class President, Ms. McKenzie Baxter, shared each of their program’s students’ pride and joy in their accomplishments, and looked forward to their future in nursing.
The ceremony also honored exceptional contributions within the nursing program. Friend of Nursing awards were presented by Ms. Jackie Watson, Dean of Health Sciences. These awards were presented to Mr. Noah Adair, Mr. Carl Hicks, and Ms. Shirley Armstrong.
The Scholastic Awards were presented by Dr. Megan Matheson and were awarded to Ms. Cydnee Capps, Ms. Jordan Lynch, Ms. Jacquelene Hudson, and Ms. Gabrielle Scallions.
Ms. Michelle Davis presented the Clinical Practice Awards to Mr. Dalton Harrison, Mr. Andrew Stanfill, and Ms. Stephanie Yarbrough.
Additionally, the Peggy Pendergrast Faculty Awards were presented by Dr. Christie Hamilton, honoring those who have made a lasting impact on students’ educational journeys. Recipients included Ms. Alexis Turnbow, Mr. Jimmy Williams Jr., and Ms. Shelby Tubbs.
Ms. Abbie Malone presented the Friendship Awards to Ms. Sara Grinnell, Ms. Georgia Blackburn and Ms. McKenzie Baxter. This award recognizes students who have fostered camaraderie among the graduates.
As the ceremony progressed, Mr. Craig Metcalf presented the Advanced Standing Class graduates, Ms. Darian Hudson presented the Traditional Evening Class graduates, and Dr. Brittany Gatlin presented the Traditional Student graduates.
The highlight of the evening was the symbolic Lighting of Lamps, led by Ms. Darian Hudson, Ms. Christie Hamm, Mr. Mike Embrey, Ms. Tammy Hines, Mr. W.C. Robinson, and Dr. Abby Brundige. This was followed by Ms. Dawn Chalk reciting the Nightingale Pledge, signifying the graduates’ commitment to their profession.
The ceremony concluded with a benediction by Mr. Jimmy Williams, Jr., leaving graduates and guests filled with hope and pride in the bright futures awaiting the nursing class.
The Dyersburg State Community College Spring Class of 2026 Nursing Graduates included:
Advanced Standing Graduates:
Sara Grinnell – Bradford, TN
Dalton Harrison – Troy, TN
Jaquelene Hudson – Union City, TN
Jasmine Lee – Jackson, TN
Dominique Lewis – Memphis, TN
Kinsey Lewis – Dresden, TN
Karli Lynch – Bells, TN
Elise Malacara – Lexington, TN
Dalton Munoz – Brighton, TN
Corry Pickard – Ripley, TN
Vanessa Renee’ Pickett – Ripley, TN
Naki Sangster – Medina, TN
Gabrielle Scallions – Gates, TN
Rebecca Smith – Enville, TN
Dana Therkildsen – Brighton, TN
Jessica Latrice Thomas – Brownsville, TN
Tiffney Toler – Huntingdon, TN
Shelby Tubbs – Lexington, TN
Naomi Jasmin Whitman – Union City, TN
Latanza Wilson – Bartlett, TN
Callie Wooley – Lexington, TN
Traditional Evening Class Graduates:
Katelyn Austin – Troy, TN
Morgan Bishop – Dyersburg, TN
Georgia Blackburn – Jackson, TN
Brooke Brazier – Ripley, TN
Anna Calhoun – Hornbeak, TN
Amber Cardwell – Tiptonville, TN
Keosha Cathey – Denmark, TN
Cody Jones – Martin, TN
Jordan Lynch – Obion, TN
Delaney Grace Mann – Gates, TN
Amber McDaniel – Troy, TN
Mya Spivey – Jackson, TN
Andrew Stanfill – Ridgley, TN
Lauren Stone – Sharon, TN
Jimmy Williams Jr. – Jackson, TN
Johnathan Witherington – Sharon, TN
Traditional Class Graduates:
McKenzie Baxter – Martin, TN
Katelyn Belue – Burlison, TN
Clovisia Bruce – Covington, TN
Marley Butler – Obion, TN
Cydnee Capps – Trimble, TN
Courtney Connell – Sharon, TN
Ginger Suastegui Fernandez – Martin, TN
Michala Lorraine Gitchell – Dyersburg, TN
Gloria Hogan – Sharon, TN
Olivia Makin – Union City, TN
Madolyn Neumann – Brighton, TN
Reagan Norton – Hornbeak, TN
Olivia Skeen – Martin, TN
Allie Tucker – Union City, TN
Alexis Turnbow – Ripley, TN
Lacey Willis – Halls, TN
Wissal Yachou – Dyersburg, TN
Stephanie Yarbrough – Jackson, TN
As the Dyersburg State Community College community celebrates these graduates, they stand ready to make a difference in healthcare, equipped with the knowledge, skills, and compassion necessary for their future nursing roles. For more information on Dyersburg State’s Nursing programs, visit.www.dscc.edu/nursing.