Moraine Park Technical College celebrated the achievements of nearly 50 nursing graduates at the winter pinning ceremony, held at the Fond du Lac Campus on Dec. 13.
“Today, you are not just receiving a pin. You are embracing a noble calling,” Katie Hughes, associate dean of health at Moraine Park, said. “A calling to care for patients—not just their bodies, but their minds and spirits as well. A calling to advocate for their needs, support their families, and make a difference in their lives.”
Student speakers included Elijah Uttech representing Beaver Dam, Mackenzie Gens representing Fond du Lac, and Nicholas Blommel representing West Bend.
“One of the best things about nursing is that you have options,” Blommel said. “I know there’s something out there that’s great for every single one of you, but you won’t find it if you trudge along in a job that makes you miserable. There’s no shame in leaving to find a better fit.”
Blommel was also honored as the recipient of Moraine Park’s DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nursing Students. The award, presented at the ceremony by instructor Ashley Gilson, recognizes nursing students who demonstrate exceptional care, compassion, and commitment to their patients and communities.
Created by the DAISY Foundation, the award celebrates nursing students who go above and beyond in their clinical skills and patient interactions, inspiring excellence and kindness in the profession. Blommel was selected through a blind review process by Moraine Park’s DAISY committee, with nominations submitted by patients, staff, fellow students, faculty, or community members he positively impacted.
“As a 4th-semester nursing student, Nick exemplifies the qualities of an extraordinary nurse—combining empathy, critical thinking, and a commitment to patient care,” Gilson said. “His positive attitude fosters a collaborative environment, his enthusiasm for learning inspires excellence, and his natural leadership shines through his ability to teach and support others. Nick embodies the spirit of nursing, and I am confident he will make a profound impact in the field of pediatric nursing.”
Moraine Park welcomes nearly 200 nurses to our district communities each year. The College is regarded for its commitment to providing high-quality education, with graduates achieving above-average pass rates on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) year after year.
Nursing Graduates
Beaver Dam
Tristan Babcock, Olivia Covington, Noelle Fassbender, Dylan Golemgeski, Teryn Hamilton, Hannah Harder, Emma Hein, Lilly Holder, Mylie Kratz, Justice Montoya, Larkin Peck, Katlyn Prill, Amy Rodriguez, Jordyn Taylor, Elijah Uttech, Jessica Wulff
Fond du Lac
Leslie Barzano, Delaney Colchado, Katelyn Dilling, Mackenzie Gens, Diane Hallman, Destiny Kappus, Lexi Parker, Helana Phillips, Megan Soll, Taylor Steiner, Camryn Stueber, Marjorie Trew-Munson
West Bend
Samantha Antrim, Taylor Battisti, Kaitlyn Blair, Amanda Blawat, Nicholas Blommel, Hannah Brooks, Kaitlyn Doberstein, Abbigayle Gutknecht, Amanda Hartsell, Olivia Honkanen, Samantha Jacoby, Jessica Melquiades, Courtney Plath, Kristina Pokrzywinski, Haley Robinson, Paige Seymer, Kaitlyn Shatswell, Tiahna Sloan, Myranda Tilidetzke, Gabrielle Walters