The nursing program at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College recently honored its top graduates at the 2025 Spring Semester pinning ceremony.
“We are immensely proud of our nursing student award recipients,” said Dr. Yvonne Smith, interim Director of Nursing for the School of Nursing and Health Sciences. “Their hard work and commitment to excellence reflect the highest standards of the nursing profession. These students represent the future of healthcare, and their accomplishments today demonstrate the positive impact they will continue to make in the communities they serve.”
Kaitlyn Lewis from Moultrie, Sharhonda Williams from Thomasville, Blakely Bloodworth from Pineview and Brittany Lewis from Alma all received the Lisa Purvis Allison Spirit of Nursing Award, Lewis for the BSN track, Williams from the ASN track in Bainbridge, Bloodworth for the Traditional ASN track in Tifton and Lewis for the ASN Bridge program.
The Spirit of Nursing Award honors the memory of Allison, who was diagnosed with colon cancer during her final year in the nursing program. Allison completed her degree, passed her state board exam, and became a registered nurse before passing away soon thereafter. A scholarship fund in her honor was developed to assist students in fulfilling their dreams of becoming nurses.
Maggie Griffis from Valdosta received the South Georgia Medical Center Dedication to Nursing Award, and Monica Balderas from Adel received the Clinical Excellence Award presented by Tift Regional Medical Center. Taylor Corbitt from Blackshear received the Academic Excellence Award, presented by Colquitt Regional Medical Center. Kasey Sellars from Ellaville received the Clinical Excellence Award presented by Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital.
The Dedication to Nursing Award is given in honor of nurses, both past and present, for their hard work and dedication to excellence at South Georgia Medical Center. The Clinical Excellence Awards recognize students who demonstrated excellence in evidence-based clinical practice and patient-centered care. The Academic Excellence Award goes to the graduate with the highest cumulative grade point average.
A total of 59 students received associate degree pins, and 10 students received bachelor’s degree pins at the ceremony.
The School of Nursing and Health Sciences is fully accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) and by the Georgia Board of Nursing.