On August 5, the USC Aiken School of Nursing at Union held a Pinning Ceremony for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduates. The pinning ceremony is a rite of passage for nurses as they transition into their careers. The tradition originated with Florence Nightingale, considered to be the founder of modern nursing, who awarded pins to her best nurses.
Five future nurses graduated from the program this year: Haleigh Hendrix, Mary Knox, Laura Parris, Courtney Roberts, and Blakelee Wisher. Roberts was chosen by the group to speak at the ceremony.
“This ceremony represents the moment we fully step into our purpose,” said Roberts. “Our group may be small, but we are proof that big things come in small packages.”
“Laura is a go-to girl and natural leader who kept us grounded and on track,” said Roberts in remarks she had prepared about how each of her classmates supported her during her time in nursing school. “Mary is a girl’s girl and an energy drink connoisseur. Her style proves that you can be both a trendsetter and a lifesaver. Haleigh became a mother in the middle of nursing school and has created a better future for herself and daughter. Blaklee is our cowgirl, equal parts grit and goofball.” The rest of the class had also prepared remarks about Roberts, describing her as an “incredible mother of four” and “the heart of the group.”
“May we carry the compassion, resilience, and determination that led us here,” said Roberts in closing.
Haleigh Hendrix and Mary Knox received Chancellor’s medals for scholastic excellence for graduating cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude.
Laura Parris received the Spirit of Caring Award. This award is chosen by the students of this graduating class and is given to a classmate they believe has consistently displayed compassionate and caring behaviors to both patients and fellow classmates. Haleigh Hendrix received the Clinical Excellence Award. This award is given to a graduating nursing student who has stood out as demonstrating clinical excellence with her patients throughout the program. Faculty recognize this student as working consistently well with patients, providing excellent patient and family centered care, communicating well with other healthcare colleagues, and excelling in multiple clinical arenas.
All of the graduates will transition into nursing jobs after they pass the NCLEX (nursing licensure examination).
After graduation, Haleigh plans to begin her nursing career working the night shift in the Emergency Department at Cherokee Medical Center, complemented by a part-time role at the Upstate Evaluation Center. These positions will allow her to gain diverse clinical experience in high-acuity care while sharpening her critical thinking and patient care skills. She is passionate about providing compassionate, evidence-based care during some of the most vulnerable moments in a patient’s life. Haleigh is strongly considering returning to school to become a Nurse Practitioner, with the long-term goal of expanding her scope of practice and continuing to serve her community in a greater capacity.
Mary has accepted a position at Spartanburg Medical Center, where she will begin her nursing career on Pavilion 6. She is eager to grow within the profession and is committed to making a meaningful impact on patient care through compassion, dedication, and continuous learning.
Laura has accepted a position at Spartanburg Regional Hospital on the Med-Surg Urology floor. With her background in Public Health and her passion for patient care, she hopes to one day combine her public health background and her nursing experience to take her career even further.
Courtney has accepted a position at Union Medical Center, where she looks forward to delivering compassionate, high-quality care in the emergency department. She is excited for the opportunity to serve and make a meaningful impact in the community she proudly calls home.
Blakelee has accepted a position on Ortho 3 at the Mary Black Campus. She is excited to begin this next chapter and looks forward to providing compassionate, patient-centered care while growing within the nursing profession.
“These students have demonstrated extraordinary resilience, compassion, and perseverance,” said USC Union Nurse Administrator Lynn Edwards. “Throughout their time in the program, these graduates have faced the rigors of nursing education head-on. From mastering complex clinical skills and navigating the evolving world of healthcare to balancing long clinical hours with late-night study sessions, they have truly earned the title of ‘nurse’. More than students, they have become advocates, caregivers, and leaders. They have built bonds with one another and with their faculty, supported patients with empathy, and grown into professionals ready to make a difference in hospitals, clinics, schools, and communities across South Carolina and beyond. To the August 2025 graduates:
you’ve overcome obstacles, risen to every challenge, and emerged stronger, wiser, and ready. The healthcare world is waiting—and it’s better for having you in it. We are proud of you, we believe in you, and we can’t wait to see how you will continue to lead with compassion.”
Congratulations, USC Aiken at Union Nursing Class of August 2025!
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