A graduation ceremony unlike any previously held at the Chilton-Clanton location of Jefferson State Community College took place Saturday.

The first students to complete the nursing program implemented at the Chilton-Clanton Center in 2011 received their pins during a commemoration ceremony in the Conference and Performing Arts Center.

Jeff State President Dr. Judy Merritt and faculty members Bonnie Glass, Dr. Cindy Danley and Christopher Forbes addressed all 24 graduates and their families and friends and also gave individual awards to two students.

Melissa Griffin received the Outstanding Student Award, which was chosen by faculty members based on GPA and clinical performance.

Cynthia Sprich received the Florence Nightingale Award, which was chosen by her classmates based on her dedication and contributions to the program.

Other nursing program graduates were: Maria C. Arriaga, Teresa Chappell, Meghan Hughes Chiarella, Esther Grace Cook, Hunter Cowart, Angie M. Ferguson, Stephanie Shae Hallford, Evelyn Mercedes Inestroza, Kenslie Brooke Massey, Phyllis Menger, Mauhkina Mitchell, Erica Monypenny, Taylor Elaine Musgrave, Bridget Ann Nichols, Kayla Nichols, Ashley Brooke Pearce, Stacy Rockett, Brandy Nicole Rushing, Theresa Angela Smitherman, Lauren Paige Stafford, Sharon Terrell and Sherry Lynn Wilson.