JANESVILLE — At a traditional pinning ceremony on Thursday evening, 30 nursing students were honored for the completion of their two-year nursing degree at Blackhawk Technical College.

“Today you are making a promise to the world that you will take care of people the best way that you can. Future nurses, as we embark on this new life, please remember this. Please advocate for what you believe in. The world is depending on you,” said Dakhia Crawford, Nursing graduate and student speaker.

Crawford also was honored with the Student Choice Award, which is sponsored by the Nursing faculty. This award, determined by peer votes, is awarded to the graduate deemed most trustworthy to care for a loved one.

The event, held in the Conference Center at the Beloit-Janesville Campus, featured nursing instructor Jim Kobs as the faculty speaker.

“They have done this magnificent accomplishment that was nothing but absolute work…it is their day to be recognized for the impressive accomplishment that this is,” Kobs said.

Following his remarks, each graduate took part in the tradition of the pinning ceremony. This rite of passage, with roots tracing back to Florence Nightingale in the 1860s, symbolizes the transition from student to professional nurse. Nightingale, inspired by her Red Cross of St. George medal from Queen Victoria, began presenting medals to her students, establishing a custom that continues today.

At Blackhawk, graduates select a loved one to present their pin. Thursday’s event included a special moment when nursing student Garrett Fisher proposed to his girlfriend after she pinned him. Students also recited the Nightingale Pledge, a commitment to uphold their profession with care and dedication, akin to the Hippocratic Oath for physicians.

Many of the graduates already have secured jobs, including an outpatient float nurse and a cardiac nurse.