Published on August 4, 2026

Graduating nurses received their pins at the Summer 2026 Lake Land College Practical Nursing pinning ceremony.

During the ceremony, several students received awards in recognition of their outstanding performance and professionalism throughout their time in the Practical Nursing Program.

The Practical Nursing Peer Awards were presented to Brooklyn Roe, Sullivan, and Colton Moore, Mattoon, for their excellence in helping others and demonstrating professionalism in both classroom and clinical settings.

The Clinical Excellence Award was presented to Kaden Koeberlein, Effingham, for displaying professionalism, confidence and clinical excellence in the Practical Nursing Program.

James Watkins, Edgewood, and Samantha Thompson, Mattoon, received the Student Liaison Award for serving as positive representatives of the Practical Nursing program.

The Marilyn Fuqua Thompson Nursing Award was presented to Jasmine Gast, Charleston. Voted on by faculty, this award is presented to a graduating student who is considered to be the all-around best student in the class. The recipient of this award must demonstrate professionalism, responsibility, compassion and dedication while possessing the technical skills, knowledge base and composure to navigate the most difficult situations.

The following students received pins at the ceremony: