LSCPA Holds Vocational Nurse Pinning Ceremony in Jasper

The 2025 LVN graduates from the Deep East Texas College & Career Academy in Jasper gather for a photo during Thursday night’s pinning ceremony at Jasper High School. Photo credit: Mayra Vargas

JASPER, Texas – On Thursday night, August 7, 2025, Lamar State College Port Arthur (LSCPA) hosted its Vocational Nurse Pinning Ceremony at Jasper High School, celebrating the achievements of the second cohort to graduate from the Deep East Texas College & Career Academy (DETCCA) in Jasper.

DETCCA — a regional hub for career and technical education — provides local students with access to college-level workforce training without leaving Jasper County. The LVN program, offered in partnership with LSCPA, has quickly become one of DETCCA’s signature successes, preparing graduates for in-demand healthcare careers while meeting critical workforce needs in East Texas.

This year’s LVN graduates — ShaKayla Armstrong, Ebony Barnett, Taylor Fawvor, McKenzie Hyden, and Samantha Townsend — were honored for their dedication and perseverance. Each graduate received a symbolic nursing pin, marking the transition from student to healthcare professional.

The ceremony featured Terri Cheeley, PA-C as guest speaker, whose address encouraged the graduates to embrace the compassion, skill, and resilience required in nursing. Gary Marshall led the traditional Blessing of the Hands, honoring the graduates’ commitment to patient care.

Program instructors Tracie Wolfford, RN; Mayra Vargas, RN; and Leighann Halliday, RN were recognized for their guidance and dedication in preparing students for the challenges and rewards of nursing.

The next LVN cohort at DETCCA begins August 25, 2025, offering new students the same opportunity to train for a rewarding career close to home. Looking ahead, LSCPA will launch its Upward Mobility Nursing Program (LVN to RN) this spring, allowing local LVNs to advance to registered nursing without relocating — a major step for healthcare accessibility in the region.

“These graduates represent not only their own hard work, but the vision of DETCCA — creating opportunities that keep talent in our community,” organizers said.

As only the second LVN class to graduate from DETCCA, these nurses are part of a growing legacy of healthcare professionals being trained and retained in the community.