Seven Virginia Health Services apprentice program students graduated from Care Assistants to Nurse Aides during a ceremony Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, at the EEE Center in Port Warwick.

The six-week earn-as-you-learn program includes classwork, clinical skills labs and on-the-floor experience. The program also covers the cost of the state certification exam to be a CNA.

The graduates — Donavon Brinkley, Yakia Cooper, Lamani Hill, Aireal Montgomery, Alex Proietti (valedictorian), Jadelynn Rodriguez Tapia (salutatorian) and LaToya Young — will continue on as VHS team members at Coliseum, James River, Northampton and York Nursing and Rehabilitation Centers.

The seven students were led by Director of Education Princess Henderson, RN, BSN; instructor Nora Gillespie, RN; and Nursing Training and Education Coordinator Terry Williamson, LPN.

Princess referred to the program as “CNA bootcamp” during which the students worked hard every day, in part thanks to the support of their loved ones, many of whom were in attendance Thursday.

It included learning 22 skills and spending six days on clinicals at Coliseum.

“This was a unique class,” Nora said. “I thoroughly enjoyed teaching this class and I’m turning the reins over to Terry in my semi-retirement.”

The graduates

Terry and Nora reflected on each graduate’s journey during the ceremony.

Donavon Brinkley, who earned the Champion Award for showing the most progression, entered the class without a background in healthcare.

“You stepped into everything you did — you earned it daily. You did it with humor, and this class had your back,” Nora said.

Yakia Cooper, who earned the Clinical superlative award, excelled in the class, Terry said. Yakia was a resident care assistant with VHS when Princess recruited her for the class.

“You have a heart that shines and the residents feel you care when you walk into the room,” Nora said.

Nora said Lamani Hill was determined from day one.

“She advocated for her residents and was determined to do well,” Terry said. “Her residents are in her DNA.”

Aireal Montgomery quietly advocated for herself and was engaged with the residents. She gained confidence throughout the class, Terry said.

Salutatorian Jadelynn Rodriguez Tapia was “determined to the right thing,” Terry said. Jadelynn has a background in healthcare, and “cared about everything,” Nora said.

Terry recalled LaToya Young from their time working together at another organization.

“She loves what she does, and she joined this class because she wanted to be better. She’s kind and quiet and she really excelled,” Terry said.

The reason Terry recognized LaToya, Nora said, “is because we remember the ones who care about what they do. You are the complete picture.”

Valedictory speech

Valedictorian Alex Proietti, who served in the Marines and came into the class without a background in healthcare, was “determined to do it well,” Terry said.

In challenging environments, he excelled, Nora said.

Alex shared remarks with his fellow graduates, including thanking his fellow classmates and their support systems.

“I’ve seen a lot of impressive and amazing things socially and academically from this group. Being valedictorian, you guys made me earn it, Jadelynn especially,” he said. “… Ex-military, former Marine, I have no clue about the medical stuff until a month and a half ago when we started this. It was a completely different environment … and one of the things I noticed right away with my classmates is the overwhelming amount of compassion, knowledge and overall heart.”

He said that while his background and culture were different than those of his classmates, they “welcomed me in and gave me a really weird, work dysfunctional family,” to which everyone laughed.

“We come together more often than not, and there’s a certain bond you make with people in certain situations … to a level I didn’t see coming. Thank you, guys, for that,” he said. “… You guys have put up with a lot and helped me get to this point. … There were times I really didn’t know if this was for me, and I would see the heart in you guys and I would absorb it. I owe this to you all … and to my wonderful teachers, who gave me everything I needed to succeed.”

What’s next

Princess told the graduates she hoped the class inspired them all.

“The sky is the limit. This class gives you the foundation of nursing. Ethics, morals — the things you learned here will always be with you,” she said. “It’s harder to do the right thing every day. I’m proud of you. We watched you grow and mature over the course of this class.”

Terry said the students have varying aspirations. Some are working toward degrees and licenses in healthcare administration, medical billing and nursing school, while others are interested in being CNAs.

“We’re proud and excited for all your endeavors,” she said.

Nora, who referred to the class as a “giggle factory,” said teachers look for those joyous moments that make them proud, and the class gave her many.

Join the team

We are recruiting for our apprentice program’s January classes on the Peninsula and at Walter Reed Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Gloucester. The earn-as-you-learn program apprenticeship program graduates Care Assistants to Nurse Aides and covers the cost of the state certification exam to be a CNA. The nearly six-week course includes classwork, skills labs and on-the-job training at our nursing and rehabilitation centers. You continue on as a team member at VHS upon graduation.

Our 2025 classes begin Jan. 6 on the Peninsula and Jan. 13 in Gloucester. Visit vahs.com/apprenticeship to learn more and apply.