The Genesee Valley BOCES Adult Education Program celebrated the graduation of 20 students from its Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program today, honoring not only academic excellence but also determination, teamwork, and compassion. For these adult learners, the ceremony marked a life-changing milestone and the beginning of a new chapter in healthcare.
Twi Brown earned the distinction of class valedictorian. During her address, she expressed gratitude for the shared journey with her peers, closing with heartfelt words: “To all my classmates, I know you’ll do great things.”
Kelsey Daniels was named salutatorian. She has worked in the medical field since high school, including four years at Rochester General. With a clear goal in mind, Daniels now plans to continue her education to become a registered nurse, pursue her bachelor’s degree, and possibly even a master’s. After graduation, she’ll be working in the intensive care unit at Strong Memorial Hospital. Her passion lies in critical care, where she can support patients through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. “These patients are having maybe the worst time of their life and to see them move forward so quickly and be able to transfer to another floor and go home, that—it’s really nice to see,” she said.
For fellow graduate Lindsey Lohman, the choice to become a nurse was shaped by personal experience. When her loved ones were hospitalized in the past, it was the nurses who made her feel supported and less alone. That support inspired her to pursue a career where she could do the same for others. “I always thought, I would love to be able to kind of pay that forward,” Lohman said.
Lohman, who lives in Dansville, will begin working at Stony Brook Pediatrics. Her passion for caring for children comes from years working in schools and being influenced by her mom, a teacher. “Kids are just something that I love because of their honesty,” she said. “They’re just real.”
Instructor Marisa Dale addressed the graduating class with parting words of wisdom, emphasizing humility and lifelong learning. “Will you make mistakes? Yeah, of course you will,” she told them. “The key is to own your mistakes and learn from them. Take accountability, learn, grow. That is how you will become a better nurse.”
She urged the students to remember the feelings of nervousness and pride they experienced today and to carry that same humility and care into every task, even on the hardest days. “There’s no room for arrogance in this profession,” she reminded them. “Embrace lifelong learning and continue to grow. That is the key to your future—and the future of our profession.”
The graduation was also filled with touching moments. One grandfather was so proud of his granddaughter that he stepped up to the microphone to tell the room just how much it meant to him. Another student was pinned by her aunt, who is a doctor—a powerful symbol of family legacy and support. The room was filled with emotion, laughter, and pride.
Alyssa Coffey, BSN, RN, who coordinates the Regional Medical Career Programs for GV BOCES, looked on with pride as each student received their certificate and pin. The group of 20 students had formed a tight bond throughout the fast-paced, rigorous program.
This year’s LPN graduates are Emily Albone, Rea’Janae Bellamy, Miah Bozzino, Twi Brown (valedictorian), Chanel Kamii Collington, Kelsey Daniels (salutatorian), Rebecca Foreman, Jy’onah Frost, Alexia Grim, Chaqueisha Hazzard, Amy Kastner, Cierra Knight, Joseph-Collins Kunsa, Lindsay Lohman, Rosa Perdomo Rivera, Shawanna Perry, Taylor Walczak, Ijalysse Washington, Deshawndra Webb, and Lisa Zajonczkoski. Several students were recognized for graduating with an average of 90% or higher.
The journey to this day required late nights, endless studying, and a deep commitment to care. As they step into their new roles as LPNs, these graduates carry not just new credentials—but a shared sense of purpose and pride that will stay with them for a lifetime.