FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 12, 2026
FAIRMONT, W.Va. – Pierpont Community & Technical College honored students from its School of Health Sciences during the 2026 Pinning Ceremony held May 1 at The Event Center at Middletown Commons.
The ceremony recognized students who have completed the academic and clinical training required for their programs, marking their transition into professional practice. More than a traditional graduation milestone, the pinning ceremony signifies entry into a profession defined by responsibility, standards and trust.
Students from a variety of programs were recognized, including Health Information Technology, Health Sciences, Medical Laboratory Technology, Physical Therapist Assistant, Respiratory Care, Veterinary Technology, and certificate programs such as Practical Nursing, Medical Billing and Coding, Medical Laboratory Assistant and Veterinary Assistant.
“As provost, I could not be more proud of what this ceremony represents, not just for you individually, but for the communities you will soon serve,” said David Beighley, Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. “We are confident you will wear your pins with pride and honor the responsibility that comes with them.”
Dr. Michael Waide, Interim President of Pierpont, emphasized the deeper meaning behind the moment in his keynote address, describing it as a turning point in students’ professional identity.
“Tonight, we recognize something more than completion; we recognize formation,” Dr. Waide said. “This is the moment when a student becomes a professional, not just receiving a degree but being recognized as part of a profession that matters.”
Waide emphasized that the expectations that come with entering the health care field are rooted in public trust.
“A profession carries expectations. It carries standards. It carries trust,” Waide said. “When people see you in your role, they do not see a student anymore, they see someone who has been prepared, assessed and entrusted with their care.”
He also reflected on the journey students took to reach this milestone and the lasting impact it will have on their careers.
“These moments will define your career more than any title ever will,” Waide said. “You showed up again and again, and that persistence will guide you as you step into roles where patients, families and communities depend on you.”
Students pinned during the ceremony, by program:
Certificate of Applied Science Programs
Licensed Practical Nursing
- Alexander Billiris
- Olivia Bombard
- Kelsey Cumberledge-Montalvo
- Savannah Vincent
- Erin Waller
- Karigan Wildroudt
Medical Billing & Coding
- Jennifer Ellison
- Ashley Spessert
Medical Laboratory Assistant
- Stacy Jarrett
Veterinary Assistant
- Makenna Post
Associate of Applied Science Programs
Health Information Technology
- Jennifer Blake
- Hannah Hart (Medical Administrative Assistant Advanced Skill Set)
- Emily Rose (Medical Administrative Assistant Advanced Skill Set)
Health Sciences
- Kaitlyn Schimonsky (Medical Administrative Assistant Advanced Skill Set)
- Shelby White
Medical Laboratory Technology
- Matthew Dukich
- Kendra Green
- Elynn Lay
- Josie Reep
Physical Therapist Assistant
- Olivia Croston
- Olivia Hook
- Kaleb Holt
- Mackenzie Hunter
- Emma Johnson
- Shauna Jones
- Addison Legg
- Rachel Lemley
- Delanie Postlethwait
- Sophia Taylor
- Elizabeth Uhl
Respiratory Care
- Tessa Dulaney
- Mylynn Huynh
- Bailee Kiger
- Kristen Lawson
- Olivia Luchuck
- Lydia Moore
- Emily Salisbury
Veterinary Technology
- Kaitlyn Bailey
- Lucien Davidson
- Bethany Fortney
- Malinda Smith
Graduates now move forward into careers in health care or continue their education, prepared to meet workforce needs across the region and beyond.
Pierpont Community & Technical College provides accessible, responsive, and high‑quality education to students and businesses across North Central West Virginia. With a strong focus on career readiness and workforce development, Pierpont offers academic programs and industry‑aligned training that create clear pathways to employment. Through this work, the college helps students discover their path while supporting the region’s economic and workforce needs.
Media Contact:
Pierpont Community and Technical College
Office of Marketing and Communications
communications@pierpont.edu