The Beebe School of Nursing celebrated the graduation of the Class of 2004 on Thursday, May 20, at Eagles Nest Fellowship Church in Milton. Twenty of the 26 graduates are working at Beebe Medical Center. Graduates carried an arrangement of their class flower, the purple rose, and Jeffrey Fried, President of Beebe Medical Center, awarded the diplomas. A reception honoring the graduates was held immediately following the ceremony in the Eagles Nest Fellowship Church Cafeteria.

Bridget Buckaloo, former Director of Women’s Health at Beebe Medical Center, was the honored commencement speaker, challenging the graduates to be professionals and to love what they do. Julie Layton, president of the class of 2004, shared class reflections and class memories were presented in video to their class song “These are the Days.” Christine Perry, Class Vice-President, paid tribute to faculty and staff with a video presentation and each received a yellow rose from members of the class. Nicole Fisher, President of the First Year Class, shared their congratulations and best wishes.

Connie Bushey, Director, with Class Advisors, Nancy Bastholm and Tracy Bell, as well as other graduates’ family and friends who had been an inspiration to their achievement, presented the school pin. The Reverend Maxine Ungerbuehler presented the Invocation and Benediction.

Class of 2004 Awards
w Jennifer Heller received the Board of Directors Award for the highest academic achievement, presented by Jeffrey Fried, Beebe Medical Center President. Ms. Heller also received the Beebe Medical Center Auxiliary Award, honoring the graduate demonstrating academic and clinical excellence and school and community commitment.
w Starla Byler received The Happy Harry’s award for the second-highest academic achievement.
w Elizabeth Lynch received the Alumni Award, given for Medical-Surgical clinical excellence.
w April Lawrence received the Patient Care Director’s Award.
w Courtney Warren received the Maternal Child Award, given by Eleanor Cordrey in memory of her sister, Virginia Cottingham, to the graduate demonstrating an interest and ability in maternal-child nursing.
w Julie Layton received the Dr. David Howard Memorial Award.
w Portia Mathews received the Bayside Health Association Award honoring the memory and characteristics of Alison Trout.
w Sharice Elzey was honored this year with the Faculty Award recognizing the attributes of diploma education.

The 2004 graduates are: Joni Slaubaugh, Greenwood; Amber Rogers, Milton; Kathryn Krieger, Milton; Leslie Robinson, Salisbury, MD; Starla Byler, Greenwood; Christine Perry, Felton; Michele Winner, Rehoboth Beach; April Lawrence, Ocean View; Elizabeth Lynch, Lewes; April Mauser, Delmar; Laura Reed, Smyrna; Portia Mathews, Pocomoke, MD; Nancy Bastholm and Tracy Bell, Faculty Advisors; (Back row, left to right) Connie Bushey, Director, School of Nursing; Kim Richardson, Milford; Lauren Salb, Harrington; Rachael Whaley, Laurel; Nicole Miller, Seaford; Ryan Brown, Georgetown; Courtney Warren, Millsboro; Tricia Temple, Millville; Julie Layton, Dagsboro; Sharice Elzey, Salisbury; Brittany Johnson, Georgetown; Jennifer Light, Selbyville; Alverna Slacum, Dover; Julie Mullins, Lewes; Jennifer Heller, Rehoboth Beach.