Though small in number, their force will be heard as Kayleigh Bridges, Leah Peters, Karissa Hawkins and Nick Rushforth take the knowledge they have gained through the Certified Nursing Assistant course at Washington Academy and put it to the test in the field. Under the tutelage of Washington Academy’s Erin Flannery, R.N., all four finished their rigorous study with an examination administered through the Washington County Community College’s Community Education program. The graduates received their Certified Nursing Assistant certificates from WA’s Head of School Judson McBrine as family and friends looked on. Each student also received a pin in a “pinning ceremony” that included family members performing the actual pinning. Guests included Darin McGaw, Washington County Community College’s Assistant Dean of Student and Community Affairs, WA Trustee Dr. John Gaddis, and WA administrators, Tim Reynolds and David Hitchings. A fabulous spread of refreshments was prepared by the culinary staff of WA.

Nick Rushforth, WA’s first male CNA graduate, and his three classmates (from left) Karissa Hawkins,
Leah Peters and Kayleigh Bridges, received their pin and certificates as family and friends looked on at the
CNA Pinning Ceremony, held on May 19, 2010.