FORT MILL, S.C., July 10, 2026- Laurel College of Technology is proud to announce its very first Practical Nursing (LPN) pinning ceremony, marking a historic milestone for both the institution’s Fort Mill campus and its pioneering cohort of healthcare graduates for this location. The inaugural ceremony took place on Thursday, June 25th at 5:00 pm at Laurel’s Fort Mill campus at 345 Patricia Lane, Suite 105.
The traditional pinning ceremony is a time-honored nursing rite of passage that dates back to the 1860s, popularized by Florence Nightingale. It welcomes graduates into the nursing profession and symbolizes their transition from rigorous academic preparation to frontline, clinical practice. Unlike standard graduation ceremonies, the pinning ceremony allows faculty and loved ones to personally welcome the new practical nurses into the healthcare community.
During the ceremony, students Mona Lisa Gunter and Makaylan Stidham were recognized for their hard work and dedication to the Practical Nursing program and the resilience they showed in completing the program for their future career. Campus President, Cindy Carey, addressed the two students and their families stating, “This was not an easy journey. We had some bumps and hiccups along the way, but these two, Makaylan and Mona Lisa, were determined to finish. And here they are, ready to enjoy the rewards and sense of accomplishment after such a unique journey.”
“These students have demonstrated incredible dedication, resilience, and clinical excellence,” said Chiquita Foster, Practical Nursing Program Director, at Laurel College of Technology. “Launching this program in Fort Mill was a response to the growing demand for highly skilled healthcare professionals in York County and the greater Charlotte metro area. We are incredibly proud to pin these students as they prepare to step into the workforce and make an immediate impact on patient care.”
Graduate Mona Lisa Gunter addressed the crowd stating “I want to thank my family for all of their support. When I didn’t want to finish, they pushed me, they encouraged me and now here I am. I went through a lot to stand here, and I am very proud of me. And I really and I really want to thank the two ladies that helped me, when I came to you crying and discouraged, you helped me push through, Mrs. Heather Miller and Mrs. Chiquita Foster. I could not have done this without the support that I have from all angles.”
Foster then presented graduates, Mona Lisa Gunter and Makaylan Stidhamn, with their pins, did the Lighting of the Lamp, and finished the ceremony with reciting the Florence Nightingale Pledge.
Makaylan Stidham, Graduate of Laurel College of Technology’s Inaugural Practical Nursing Class
Mona Lisa Gunter, Graduate of Laurel College of Technology’s Inaugural Practical Nursing Class
About Laurel College of Technology
Laurel College of Technology’s campus in Fort Mill, SC (a division of Laurel Institutes) provides high-quality, career-focused, hands-on training designed to bridge the gap between education and employment. Located at 345 Patricia Lane in Fort Mill, S.C., the campus serves students throughout York County, Rock Hill, and the South Charlotte suburbs, offering specialized programs in high-demand fields including Practical Nursing, Cardiovascular Technology, and Electrical Systems Technology. Learn more at laurel.edu.
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