Twenty new licensed practical nurses (LPN) celebrated completion of their one-year program during Illinois Valley Community College’s annual pinning ceremony Thursday, July 2.

The graduate nurses participated in a symbolic candle-lighting ritual and recited the Nursing Pledge. The pins are small medallions engraved with the college name and a lighted lamp symbol.

Graduates Raul Perez and Kayleigh Osterdock were featured speakers for the evening.

2026 LPN graduates are: Dylan Brejc, Earlene Burnley, Alexia Flerlage, Miriam Gonzalez, Kelsie Hayden, Korrin Holdcraft, Morgan Kunkel, Stacy Law, Kayleigh Osterdock, Brianna Pawelczyk, Raul Perez, Emilia Rea, Sarah Saepharn, Fabian Salazar, Alexandria Smallwood, Rhiannon Szobar-Weaver, Abigail Valenzuela, Maddison VanZuiden, Laken Wilke, and Katelyn Wilson.

Over three semesters, practical nurse graduates earn a certificate along with the knowledge and skills to provide safe, compassionate nursing care in a variety of health care settings. Many graduates choose to return to IVCC for an additional year to earn an associate degree and become registered nurses (RN).