Barbara Starr, Beebe School of Nursing faculty member, was the commencement speaker. Stephen Rayne, member of the class of 2010, presented congratulations to the graduates. Jessica Johnson, president of the class of 2009, shared class reflections and introduced a video tribute to family, friends and 2009 graduates.

Janet B. McCarty, chairwoman of Beebe Medical Center’s board of directors, presented the Board of Directors Award for the highest academic achievement to Tania Jenkins.

The Beebe Medical Center medical staff sponsored the Salutatorian Award for the second-highest academic achievement, which was presented to Elizabeth DeMusz.

The Alumni Award, given for medical-surgical clinical excellence in district nursing, was presented to Melissa Blades. The Patient Care Director’s Leadership Award was presented to Jessica Johnson.

Tara Bower 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. The Beebe Medical Center Auxiliary presented its annual Florence Wingate Memorial Award honoring the memory of a longtime trusted and devoted member and treasurer of the auxiliary to Lindsay Hardt. The award honors the graduate demonstrating academic and clinical excellence and school and community commitment.

Tracey Grossman received the Dr. David Howard Memorial Award.

The Bayside Health Association Award honoring the memory and characteristics of Alison Trout was presented to Jessica Rementer. Ashley Hufford was honored with the Faculty Award that recognizes the attributes of diploma education. Elizabeth DeMusz received the Pat Smith Leadership Award, which honors the memory and attributes of nursing school colleague, leader and friend.

Pastor Richard Blades presented the invocation and benediction.

Connie E. Bushey, RN, BSN, MEd, director of Beebe School of Nursing, together with class advisers Tracy Bell, RN, and Terri Wyatt, RN, presented the graduates with the school pin. Jeffrey M. Fried, FACHE, president and CEO of Beebe Medical Center, presented the diplomas.

Member of the class of 2009 are Blades of Dover; Bower of Dover; Tricia Crowe of North Wildwood of N.J.; DeMusz of Cape May, N.J.; Annamaria Gilligan of Salisbury, Md.; Grossman of Magnolia; Hardt of Dagsboro; Hufford of Smyrna; Jenkins of Delmar; Johnson of Georgetown; Michelle McGowan of Millsboro; Rementer of Seaford; Erin Shannon of Wilmington; Michelle Shores of New Castle; and Rebecca Sweet of Dover.

A reception and fellowship followed the graduation in the Eagle’s Nest Fellowship Church cafeteria.