The Next Cohort of Care Begins: Nursing Grads Honored at Pinning Ceremony
One of the largest nursing classes in 17 years celebrates their achievement before starting their professional careers.
(l-r) Marie Belazaire, Yiusmar Compres, Robert Streeter II, Maryane Cruz, Johan Peralta Henriquez
With an overwhelming sense of heartfelt emotion, excitement, and gratitude, 67 Middlesex College nursing students received their program pins as symbols of their achievement May 12 at The Pines Manor in Edison.
“Your journey has just begun,” said Ava Yap, the 2025 nursing class president, in an address to her peers. “You have many more lives to save and hearts to heal.”
Yap detailed her anxiety from when she first enrolled in the program, worried that she wouldn’t be able to handle the workload and responsibility. She drew strength from her fellow students, seeing them overcome their own challenges on their way to graduation.
“I feel blessed to call these tenacious human beings my classmates,” said Yap. “We have given each other pep talks and this cohort has become very close. You’re here because you can handle it. You made sure you finished the race and I couldn’t be prouder of you all.”
Graduate Melissa Ruiz focused her remarks on the two biggest parts of health care: the heart and the brain.
“The heart has given us the strength to pursue the dream of this moment. The heart – and endless amounts of caffeine,” Ruiz said laughing. “The heart has made us indispensable and compassionate. The brain has made us resourceful and resilient. This moment has finally arrived and, even though our individual hearts and brains are all different, we’re all crafted with the same purpose. I wish us all amazing and blessed success in our future careers.”
Middlesex College Nursing Program Director Kara Kaldawi noted that this class of nursing students has performed exemplary with an average grade-point average of 3.6. It is also one of the largest graduating nursing classes from Middlesex College in 17 years.
“It’s an incredibly joyous occasion,” said Kaldawi. “This is a journey, the beginning of your professional career and a celebration of the impact you will make in your community and in the lives of your patients.”
“A life and a career are a journey,” added Middlesex College President Mark McCormick. “There will be challenges ahead, but lean into your journey. You’re well-taught, equipped, and ready to go. You’ll be the next set of amazing nurses.”
At the end of the ceremony, six students received individual honors for their performance:
National League for Nursing Honorary Membership Award – Farnaaz Khan
Dr. Surrender Grover Surgical Award – Eunice Joseph
Dr. Lund/Breslow Obstetric Award – Johan Peralta Henriquez
Dr. H. Shangold Pediatric Memorial Award – Alexis Alejandrino
Dr. Noel Rosner Leadership Award – Ava Yap
Dr. Paul F. Zito Progressive Award – Olga Zadyrka
Learn more about the Middlesex College Nursing Program here:
https://middlesexcollege.edu/academics/health-professions/nursing/
