On Tuesday, May 13, 19 eighth-grade students from Linton Middle School graduated from the Minority Pre-Nursing Institute (MPI), which began on Tuesday, September 17. Throughout the school year, students met every Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. to participate in the program. 

As part of the program, students learned about body systems, common diseases, clinical skills, and the nursing process. They gained hands-on experience in drawing blood, administering medication, assessing body systems, and answering NCLEX-style questions. 

Before the graduation ceremony, students presented final projects on various body systems. Topics included the skin, nervous system, urinary system, cardiac system, respiratory system, and the musculoskeletal system. 

Following the presentations, students and their families gathered in the auditorium for the ceremony. Tamara Moon, MSN, RN—a Penn Hills graduate and founder of MPI—opened the event with words of encouragement and praise for the graduating class. She emphasized the importance of representation in the nursing field and the need for future nurses like the 19 students who successfully completed the program. 

"As you step into the future, do so with confidence and hope. Become leaders who will advocate for justice, equality, and sustainability. Be the change we wish to see in the world," she told them. 

Additional remarks were shared by MPI instructors Kelly Starver, DNP, MS, BSN, RN; Dawna Bivins, CRNP, MSN; and Yasmin Ghaffari, a pre-med senior at the University of Pittsburgh and certified volunteer educator. Linton Middle School Principal, Mrs. Sandy Barker, also addressed the graduates. 

The instructors expressed their gratitude to Senator Jay Costa, the Penn Hills School Board, Linton Middle School faculty, and the MPI Board Members for their continued support. Special recognition was given to Mrs. Barker and computer technician Brandon McClendon for their contributions. 

To conclude the ceremony, students stood to recite the MPI Pledge before being called to the stage individually to receive their pins and certificates. 

Congratulations to the MPI Class of 2025:

• Aliyah Holman
   
• Ava Booker
   
• Dayna Harris
   
• Faith Williams
   
• Hope Williams
   
• Jaylen Cobb
   
• Kellan Dougherty
   
• Khaliel Jabbaar
   
• Kyrai Nembhard
   
• Makenzie Poston
   
• Mila Sickles
   
• Ny’Zir Evans-Legeon
   
• QuanJanae Moultrie-Wheeler
   
• Raquel Hickman
   
• Sailaja Hickman Cook
   
• Skylar Cheatham-Moltz
   
• Whittleigh Breeann Atchley
   
• Royalty Irvin
   
• Tavansha Hull