St. Mary’s School of Nursing celebrates latest class of nursing graduates with pinning ceremony

The Marshall Health Network-St. Mary’s Medical Center School of Nursing celebrated its latest class of nursing graduates with a special pinning ceremony Thursday, Aug. 6, at the St. Mary’s Highlawn Center auditorium.

Twenty-four nursing graduates received pins, signifying the completion of their nursing training. The graduates also received lamps of light, a traditional symbol of the nursing profession inspired by Florence Nightingale, who is regarded as the founder of modern nursing.

The Marshall Health Network-St. Mary's Medical Center School of Nursing celebrated 24 graduates with a pinning ceremony marking the successful completion of their nursing education Thursday, Aug. 6, at the St. Mary's Highlawn Center.

Students in the School of Nursing receive their Associate of Science in Nursing degree from Marshall University.

Of the 24 graduates, 21 have accepted positions within Marshall Health Network.

“Graduation marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for these students, but it also reflects the fulfillment of our mission as a school,” said Joey Trader, RN, vice president of St. Mary’s Schools of Nursing and Health Professions and director of the School of Nursing at Marshall Health Network. “We are proud to prepare highly skilled, compassionate nurses who are ready to meet the growing healthcare needs of our region. Seeing so many graduates remain within Marshall Health Network speaks to both the quality of their education and their commitment to serving the communities they call home."

The ceremony coincides with the School of Nursing’s 100th anniversary. Founded in 1926 by the Pallottine Missionary Sisters, the school is the oldest nursing program still operating in West Virginia. The Class of 2026 joins the ranks of more than 5,100 nurses who have been trained at St. Mary’s.

To learn more about the St. Mary’s School of Nursing program, visit www.st-marys.org/careers-and-education/school-of-nursing.

Photos from the pinning ceremony may be found at jcesom.smugmug.com/Events/2026-Events/St-Marys-School-of-Nursing-Pinning-Ceremony-2026.