It’s a brief moment, but it signifies a huge step on the pathway to nursing.

A total of 27 Mid-Plains Community College students will receive Associate Degree of Nursing pinsFriday during a special ceremony planned for noon at the North Platte Community College South Campus McDonald-Belton Theater.

The event is open to the public. Kristyn Clapp, of Culbertson, and Merry Sedlacek, of North Platte, will be the featured student speakers.

According to Cindy Lovette, nursing administrative assistant for MPCC, the act of being pinned doesn’t automatically make someone a nurse. However, it does signify that he or she has completed the necessary schooling to become one.

Graduates are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN examination through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing and, upon passing the examination, they are qualified to receive a registered nurse license.

MPCC students eligible for pinning include:

• Kendra Ash – Sutherland
• Holly Barrett – Ogallala
• Joseph Benson – McCook
• Lisa Bryant – North Platte
• Dierdrie Christensen – North Platte
• Kristyn Clapp – Culbertson
• Tasha Clark – Oshkosh
• Jami Comer – North Platte
• Tessa Cumming – Hershey
• Taylor Dunn – Cozad
• Lynelle Foster – Big Springs
• Brandy Harness – North Platte
• Savannah Higdon – North Platte
• Savanna Hollibaugh – Wallace
• Todd Hovey – McCook
• Jennell McGee – Ogallala
• Nicole Miller – North Platte
• Melinda Neill-Tyler – North Platte
• Deirdre Nichelson – Sutherland
• Elena Ramos – North Platte
• Sarah Riddell – North Platte
• Jamie Sosa – Sutherland
• Lori Schanou – North Platte
• Merry Sedlacek – North Platte
• Justina Snider – North Platte
• Tasia Stumpf – Ogallala
• Kassandra Willey – North Platte