116 nursing professionals ‘pinned’ as the Class of 2026

Prescott, Arizona — The next generation of healthcare providers made an impressive and moving debut at the Jim & Lee Performing Arts Center on Friday, May 1 as Yavapai College ‘pinned’ the 2026 Nursing Class.

Twenty-seven Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates; fifty-six Associate of Applied Science in Nursing graduates and thirty-three Practical Nursing graduates donned their pins, thanked their loved ones and raised their hands for the Florence Nightingale Oath as Yavapai College honored the 2026 Nursing Class.

“Today, we gather to celebrate an extraordinary group of individuals—our soon-to-be-pinned nurses. You’ve poured your energy, your intellect, and your hearts into this journey. And today, we recognize you not only for what you’ve achieved, but for who you are: compassionate, highly skilled, unshakable professionals,” said Dr. Lisa Rhine, Yavapai College President. “You’ve pushed through discomfort, the doubt and the sacrifice to achieve something that is uniquely yours. No one can take away the skills that you have learned and that you will use to help and to heal. So today, as we pin you and welcome you into this noble profession, know that the world needs exactly what you’ve become—skilled hands, sharp minds, and open hearts.”

The Spring 2026 graduating class included student nurses who completed their coursework at both the Prescott and Verde Valley campuses. The Bachelor of Nursing, Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, and Licensed Practical Nursing graduates shared a ceremony that blended ethics, tradition and spontaneous joy.

“Nurses are the backbone of healthcare. You will be the steady presence in moment of uncertainty, the advocate when a voice is needed, and the skilled professional who bring healing, comfort, and hope,” Dr. Marylou Mercado, Vice President of Workforce Development, Health Sciences, and Public Services, told nursing graduates during the ceremony. “Your contribution will not only fill essential roles in our county’s healthcare system – it will elevate the quality of care for every individual and family you encounter.”

“They say, ‘Save one life, you’re a hero. Save hundreds of lives, you’re a nurse,’” Instructor Stephanie Irwin told the graduates. “But how do we do that? The obvious answer is during traumas, rapid responses, and code blues. But the truth is, you will save lives in the quiet, ordinary moments no one sees. In the way you speak to your patients. In the kindness you choose, even when you’re exhausted. In the moments where you slow down, listen, and remind someone that they are not alone. Being a nurse isn’t just about saving lives in moments of crisis. It’s about showing up, again and again, with empathy, with presence, and with heart. And today, we celebrate that.”

Yavapai College Nursing Instructor Trevor Nordin challenged the new BSN students to become leaders in the health care system.

“With this degree, you are positioned to shape practice, champion evidence-based care, and challenge the ‘this is how we’ve always done it’ mindset,” Nordin said. “But as you do so, remember that leadership in nursing is grounded in trust, as well. Your colleagues will trust you. Your patients will trust you. Your communities will trust you. Lead in a way that honors that trust.”

The Nursing program presented awards at each academic level. Leadership awards went to: April Beltran (ADN); Erika Weaver (ADN); and Marie Menges (LPN).

Scholarship Award recipients were: Matthew Arvo (BSN); Megan Franklin (ADN); Rebecca Marie Renti-Cruz (ADN); and Brooke Redmon (LPN).

The emotional highlight of the graduation, the pinning ceremony, harkens back to the days of Florence Nightingale, who was decorated for service in the Crimean War. In a Yavapai College tradition, graduates are called to the stage, one-by-one, and pinned by family members or loved ones, while the graduate’s recorded statement of thanks plays on the speakers above.

The ceremony concluded with Dr. Jennifer Ritter, Dean of Health Sciences, who led the new nurses in the Florence Nightingale Pledge. Then Practical Nursing Instructor Mollie Lucero presented the Yavapai College Nursing Program’s Spring 2026 graduating class:

Yavapai College operates seven campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers over 100 degrees and certificates, six baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities. To learn more about Yavapai College, visit www.yc.edu.