Earlier this month, Vernon High School held a pinning ceremony for our certified nursing aide and patient care technician students who are in our Health Occupation Program.
LVN Candace Adams, the instructor of the Health Occupation Program, told those in attendance that all the students in the program were exceptional. She explained that not only do they have to keep up with their other school classes, they also have clinical hours they must meet in order go pass the class. And, she added, most of the students are involved in sports and other extra-curricular activities that keep them busy.
This was the first year for the Health Occupation Program to offer the patient care technician class, which is only for seniors. Students receiving their PCT pin were: Aubrey Castorena, Laurel Easley, Jabey Epie, Ka’Liyha Fanner, Emily Garcia, Alondra Espinoza, Eh Paw, Aye Khine, Paw Say, Hser Soe, and Destiny Valtierra.
Adams also handed out special awards to the students. Those included: Emily Garcia - Most Positive Attitude, Compassionate Caregiver; Aubrey Castorena - Quick Thinker, Bright Future; Kaliyha Fanner - Future Nurse Leader, Heart of Gold; Jabeya Epie - Academic Excellence, Bright Future; Aye Khine - Participation Pro, Most Improved Clinician; Alondra Epinoza - Study Buddy, Patient Advocate; Laurel Easley - Academic Excellence, Always Ready; Destiny Valtierra - Participation Pro, Compassionate Caregiver; Eh Paw - Question Queen, Leadership in Action; Paw Say - Note-Taking Ninja, Team Player; and Hser Soe - Perfect Attendance, Most Improved Clinician.
Students receiving their CNA pin were: Olivia Carr, Peter, Din, Mikaella Lopez, Josslynn Huerta, Audelia Moralez, Alexa Lucio, Daniela Rojas, Andrew Shepherd, Audree Scott, Delila Jo Rodriguez, and Jasmine Trujillo.
Receiving Adams’ special awards in this group included: Delila Rodriguez - Most Positive Attitude, Compassionate Caregiver; Alexa Lucio - Classroom Leader, Outstanding Bedside Manner; Peter Din - Academic Excellence, Most Improved Clinician; Josslynn Huerta - Participation Pro, Patient Advocate; Andrea Shepherd - Quick Thinker, Team Player; Audelia Moralez - Question Queen, Patient Advocate; Olivia Carr - Participation Pro, Heart of Gold; Jasmine Trujillo - Quick Thinker, Clinical Excellence; Mikaella Lopez - Academic Excellence, Always Ready; Daniela Rojas - Future Nurse Leader, Clinical Excellence; and Audree Scott - Quick Thinker, Most Improved.