Welcome the newest nurses

HURON TWP. — They come from all different backgrounds. And their reasons for pursuing a nursing career greatly vary from one another. But the one common denominator connecting 28 locals who just received their nursing degrees: They all want to provide care for people and help anyone live longer and healthier lives. On Friday, the Firelands Regional Medical Center School of Nursing hosted a graduation ceremony for its students at BGSU Firelands in Huron Township. "Graduates: Today is a testament of your hard work, dedication and resilience," said Jody Meisler-McKillips, the vice president of human resources at Firelands Health, who provided opening and closing remarks. "You're ready not only with the knowledge and skill but with the emotional strength and awareness to care for others in meaningful ways," Meisler-McKillips added. "As you begin your careers, do not lose sight of who you are and that passion that led you to your choice of your chosen profession. " Earning their diplomas puts each graduate one step closer to becoming a registered nurse. They now must take an exam to receive licensure before becoming a registered nurse. "With a history dating back to 1905, Firelands Regional Medical Center School of Nursing, previously Providence Hospital School of Nursing, has a long-standing reputation for excellence in nursing education," according to an organizational statement. Affiliated with Firelands Health and its hospital, the school is based in Sandusky. More than 2,000 people have graduated from the school since its inception in 1905. Friday marked the 109th commencement ceremony. Family, friends, loved ones and supporters packed the Cedar Point Center where professionals addressed graduates, school staff offered congratulations and those receiving diplomas, like Madison Wright, spoke to attendees. For Wright, the school taught students about empathy, "to care, not just clinically but genuinely, deeply and compassionately" for all patients. "We learn that sometimes the most powerful thing that you can do for somebody isn't a procedure or a medication," Wright added. "It's simply sitting beside them and telling them that you're here." She then gave some reassurances to her classmates. "There will be days that test us, days that overwhelm us, days that break our hearts," Wright said. "But there will also be days — powerful, unforgettable days — that remind us exactly why we chose this path. We are advocates, protectors, leaders, and we have become hope in the human form. And now, it's a purpose that we will carry with us and every patient, every moment and every day moving forward." Next generation of nurses Here are the Class of 2026 graduates representing the Firelands Regional Medical Center School of Nursing: • Lexi Bores of Monroeville • Jessica Bower of Huron • Colleen Camp of Norwalk • Kayli Collins of Huron • Brianna Dobias of Norwalk • Abigail Foote of Port Clinton • Sydney Fox of North Fairfield • Zachary Grosswiler of Norwalk • Davondre Harper of Elyria • Mallory Jamison of Berlin Heights • Morgan Leber of Norwalk • Jameson Lee of Norwalk • Seth Linder of Milan • Leah McNeely of Sandusky • Abigail McNulty of Huron • Cora Meyer of Bellevue • Marilyn Miller of Sandusky • Cathryn Palagyi of Sandusky • Yasmin Perez of Norwalk • Malone Phillips of Norwalk • Michelle Porcher of Sandusky • Isabella Riedy of Vickery • Brittany Rodisel of Bellevue • Saige Ruffing of Clyde • Brooke Schafer of Norwalk • Leah Shelley of Huron • Stevi Ward of Norwalk • Madison Wright of Sandusky