The Barbados Community College’s (BCC) Health Sciences Division proudly celebrated its student body’s successes at the annual pinning ceremony with a series of speakers, prizes, and resounding applause.
Hosted at the Sir Hugh Springer Auditorium on November 6th, the event marked its graduates transition from students to professionals, honouring their accomplishments and the people that made them possible.
BCC Health Sciences Senior Tutor Gabrielle Clarke congratulated the recipients, reminding them of the responsibility they were inheriting and the bright future ahead.
“Today marks a momentous occasion. A culmination of the dedication, perseverance and hard work.”
Urging students to consider the impact they will have on those in their care and the difference they will make in their fields, she hoped that the pins they received that night would hold them to the standards set by BCC and the legacy of the alumni that came before them.
BCC Principal Annette Alleyne also addressed the graduates, paying special attention to the family and friends who supported them throughout their journey at the BCC and stressing the importance of maintaining such support systems throughout their career and life.
“Every success you celebrate tonight was shaped by a network that stood beside you, behind you, around you.”
She applauded BCC staff in producing such a promising cohort of graduates, noting the particularly impressive pass rate of 84% in the regional exam for nurse registration especially when compared to the regional rate of only 59%.
As part of the ceremony, several students were singled out for their exceptional performance and awarded various prizes by BCC staff.
One such student was valedictorian Shakirah Harding who described her experience at BCC during her speech.
“For many of us graduates this journey was not easy… I have come to realize that the challenges that test us the most are often the ones that bring out our very best.”
The evening reinforced the strength, resilience, and promise of the newest cohort of BCC Health Sciences graduates as they enter the next chapter of their professional lives.