Nine students graduated Saturday from the Pueblo Community College Southwest campus’ first class in its program for licensed practical nurses. The college added the one-year program to meet demand from local doctors and nursing homes. PCC Southwest also graduated 21 registered nurses and will offer a bachelor’s degree in nursing in fall 2019. The first graduating class of LPNs who were honored in a pinning ceremony on Saturday are, from left: Kassidy Milligan, Ashlynn Brenneman, Suntai Farley, Chancie Hunter, Courtney Taber, Mallorye Bane, Felix Duran, Kayla Norton and Ellen Sanchez. PCC Southwest nursing coordinator Maggie LaRose is kneeling.

Felix Duran speaks on behalf of his graduating class to an audience of family and friends at Saturday’s pinning ceremony.

Pueblo Community College Southwest held a pinning ceremony Saturday for the first class of graduates from the practical nursing program.