Crafton Hills College Celebrates 22 Nursing Pathway Graduates Entering the Front Lines of Care

Publish Date: May 13, 2026

On May 12, Crafton Hills College held its Nursing Services Pathway Certificate Ceremony, recognizing 22 students who earned CNA, HHA, ACNA, or multiple certifications through the program.

Instructor Anyssa Henrich opened the ceremony by acknowledging the graduates for the work it took to get there. “Health care training is not easy,” she said. “Our students have balanced long hours, clinical experiences, personal responsibilities… Despite those challenges, they continued to show up.” She emphasized that graduates were leaving not just with technical skills, but with “compassion, professionalism, patience, and integrity.”

Dean Dan Word reinforced the intensity of the program, noting that earning multiple certifications in a single semester requires focus and commitment. “It’s caregiving when you might not feel like giving care—find it,” he told students. “This is a milestone on a longer journey.”

Student speakers brought specificity to those challenges.

Kailynn Quezada, a dual enrollment student, reflected on entering the program without a clear direction. “After long hours studying and lots and lots of caffeine—we did it,” she said. She highlighted the responsibility that comes with the role: “We’re not just caring for residents. We make an impact on their families… and sometimes we become part of that family.”

She also acknowledged the realities of training. “We’ve been bitten, scratched, yelled at… but through all of these challenges, we persevered.”

Sam Rojo focused on the meaning behind the work. “Becoming a CNA is not simply about completing tasks,” he said. “It’s about being guided by ethics, love, compassion, and responsibility… doing the right thing when no one is watching.” He added that the experience reshaped how he sees care: “Compassion must become action—answering a call light, protecting dignity, noticing when something is wrong.”

The ceremony also included student awards selected by faculty. Jennifer Marquecho received the Professionalism and Leadership Award, Dylan Osborne was recognized for Clinical Excellence, and Mariel Cuevas Gutierrez received the Rising Star Award for growth and perseverance.

View Ceremony Photos