Surrounded by family and friends, ten graduates of the Holyoke's Nurse Aide Program received certificates in a ceremony held on February 27, 2009.

Western Massachusetts Regional Manager Desiree Leclair; Instructor Maryellen Ciocca, R.N.; and Job Developer Judie Siegel offered congratulations.

Speaking for the class, Stephanie Jackson said, "We came in the program by ourselves for ourselves but we have made some great friends along the way - friends who've made us smile when we were down, friends who've comforted those when they've cried, and friends who've lended a helping hand to those in time of need. I hope the best for all of us and may our futures bring us more opportunities and higher learning."

"We would like to give thanks to Maryellen and Judie for all of their help in getting us this far and believing in us. Thank you so much for the encouraging words of wisdom."

As part of their training, students worked at Wingate Healthcare in West Springfield. Also awarded were Home Health Aide and Alzheimer's certificates.

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