http://www.dddnews.com/story/1667684.html

On October 1, 2010, it will mark 37 years since the Kennett Area Vocational Technical School of Practical Nursing opened its doors to its first class of 15 students. In the past 10 years, the school has watched its enrollment grow and it now receives an average of 120 student applicants per year.

Every year the demand grows for nursing professionals all over the country as well as in our own community. The school is doing its part in meeting that demand by admitting 24 students each August to a competitive one year program in order to meet the need for Licensed Practical Nurses in our area.

Throughout the years, as the movement toward vocational training toward career training became evident, the school underwent some changes including the school's name change to the Kennett Career and Technology Center and the School of Nursing became known as the Kennett Career and Technology School of Practical Nursing. Also, in recognition of how difficult it is to maintain a job and attend school, the curriculum changed from a five day week to a four day week. Even with a 4 day school week, the school still provides quality education to its students, as well as maintaining the ability to thrive and maintain an average board pass rate of over 95 percent, with the graduating class of 2010 passing with a remarkable 100 percent.

According to Jerri Stewart, RN, BSN, this is the first class in seven years, since the Class of 2003, to achieve a 100 percent board pass rating. Members of the graduating class of 2010 include; Jessica Coffer, Ashley Palmer, Cassey Hart, Stacy Butler, Christina Lyons, Nina Walker, Kwamena Bondzie, Andrea Taylor, Jessica Ray, Celina Edgin, Dustye Harrison, Courtney Poole, Terry Richardson, Scott Jones, and Evelyn Cobb.

The class was taught by instructors Stewart, Melissa Watkins, RN, BSN, and director of the program, and Danyel Williams, BSN, RN. Williams, herself, is a graduate of the program as a Licensed Practical Nurse in 2002. After completing the program, she went on to receive her Registered Nursing degree and in 2006 completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Now, she has come full circle and is employed where it all began.

The Director of the KCTC, Terry Bruce, nursing instructors and support staff say that they have always tried to make the educational learning process at the Center a positive experience.

Graduates of the Practical Nursing Program continue to have excellent job placement opportunities as the program is supported by area health agencies and students sometimes use the school as a pivotal point as a means to further their nursing education.

School officials said they wish to extend to the graduating class of 2010 their personal congratulations for their perseverance and for the 100 percent pass rate they achieved through their hard work.