Crafton Hills College’s Nursing Services Program celebrates committed, hardworking Spring cohort
Publish Date: May 21, 2025
Crafton Hills College celebrated its Nursing Services Program Spring cohort during a special graduation ceremony inside the Finkelstein Performing Arts Center on May 21.
Nineteen Roadrunners completed the program, with its director Karl Amparo crediting each student for working hard with a commitment to serve others.
“Today is a celebration of growth, grit and the beginning of a new career in healthcare,” he said. “This program is not easy. It’s demanding, hard—and yet, everyone here today has risen to that challenge with strength and heart.”
The evening celebration invited family and friends to celebrate their graduate’s accomplishment in an intimate setting inside the PAC. The program was followed by a pizza party, complete with merriment and lots of hugs.
Ceremony highlights included the awarding of program certificates, a class address by graduates Juliana Monarrez and Stephanie Clifton, and remarks from program facilitators, including instructor and program assistant Heather Jasso.
“This moment is the culmination of your hard work, dedication and passion for helping others. We commend your commitment,” she said. “We, as teachers, aim to be your mentors and to help guide you, bur students are our success stories and what drives us to improve our student experience.
“Today is a celebration of your accomplishments but [additionally] a reminder that the work you do is part of something much larger,” she said. “Your role touches lives and heals hearts, one patient at a time. Thank you for allowing our team to be part of your journey.”
Before the ceremony ended, program facilitators honored five students who went above and beyond during the cohort with the following awards:
- Clinical Leadership Award: Stephanie Clifton
- Exemplary Clinical Practice Award: Juliana Monarrez
- Clinical Excellence Award: John Lacaser
- Academic Excellence Award: Angelica Vasquez
- Most Improved Scholar Award: Ana Morales
Crafton Hills College’s Nursing Services Program trains Roadrunners for entry level positions as a certified nursing assistant, home health aid, and an acute care nursing assistant. Each cohort learns important techniques to succeed in the field, from how to demonstrate safe and competent care for all ages, effective communication, and techniques that promote dignity and independence in the field. Classes are available weekdays, evenings, and weekends.
To learn more, go to craftonhills.edu.
