Spring Class Brings 34 New Nurses to Baton Rouge Community
BATON ROUGE, La. -- Thirty-four new nurses graduated from Baton Rouge General’s School of Nursing during its spring commencement, joining the legion of talented nurses who have completed BRG’s program since 1984.
During the April 27 ceremony at Independence Park Theatre, the graduates received their diplomas after completing all required nursing courses and hands-on experience with seasoned practitioners during clinical rotations. Upon graduation from the diploma nursing program, graduates are prepared to take the registered nurse license exam (NCLEX-RN) to become licensed by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN).
The graduation ceremony featured the presentation of 12 awards, given to students who showed aptitude in particular areas of patient care or who achieved exemplary academic marks. Generous donors and physicians who practice at Baton Rouge General made gifts to sponsor the awards.
• Anne Manson Award – Ashly Toups
• Excellence in Advanced Medical Surgical Nursing – Alexis Salgado
• Excellence in Maternal-Child Nursing – Allison Jarreau
• Excellence in Management/Leadership – Nyjala Williams
• Excellence in Mental Health Nursing – Jasmine Smith
• Excellence in Medical Surgical Nursing – Evante’ Brown
• Faculty Award for Scholastic Achievement – Evante’ Brown and Davetta Brisco-Lofton
• Faculty Award for Student Excellence – John Similien
• Garnie Belvin Eggars Award – Saeida Harris
• Grace Hough Award – Melody Young
• Kari Lefort Award – Brooke Thompson
• Nightingale Award – Davetta Brisco-Lofton
Most of BRG’s new graduates begin their careers at Baton Rouge General in the telemetry, oncology, and on medical and surgical units. After entering nursing, many graduates have gone on to earn bachelors, master’s, and doctorate degrees, and many work in management or leadership positions, or as nurse practitioners and educators.
The BRG School of Nursing Class of Spring 2026:
Krystal L. Barrow
Sydney Bingham
Wendy N. Boateng
Kinley Blaine Borskey
Zyriel Brewer
Evante’ Deshun Brown
Michelle Leigh Colar
Mikaley Jane Duthu
Abbie Elizabeth Easterly
Jaina Gant
Talayah R Gosa
Khrislyn L. Guillory
Saieda Layne Harris
Jennifer Alexis Holmes
Allison Jarreau
Trinae’ Chante’ Lewis
Davetta Monique Brisco-Lofton
Alexis Rachelle Lynch
Teralyn KiaAnte’ Mart
Alexandra Elizabeth Mire
Sydnie Paxton
Paige Raquel Pigee
Kiersten Victoria Roy
Alexis Annette Salgado
Carole Katherine Scardina
John Similien
Alaycia Shambrae Singleton
Jasmine Dione Smith
Brooke Thompson James
Ashly Nicole Toups
Ngoc Jessica Vo
Tyla Chanel White
Nyjala Nikole Williams
Melody Lynnette Young
BRG’s School of Nursing recently earned re-accreditation for the next eight-year period. It is frequently recognized by the LSBN for its 100% first-time pass rate on the NCLEX-RN, and the BRG School of Nursing has maintained an overall pass rate above 95% throughout its 40-plus-year history. The school has also seen growth in its licensed practical nurse (LPN) mobility program, which fast-tracks the process for LPNs to become RNs.
For information, click here or call (225) 387-7623.
About Baton Rouge General Medical Center
Baton Rouge General Medical Center is the area’s first community hospital with over 600 licensed beds between three campuses. Baton Rouge General opened its doors in 1900, and has provided the Greater Baton Rouge community with high-quality healthcare for generations. An accredited teaching hospital since 1991, Baton Rouge General is affiliated with several medical school programs, and offers other medical education programs, including a School of Nursing, School of Radiologic Technology, Family Medicine Residency Program and Internal Medicine Residency Program. For more information, visit BRGeneral.org, find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/BatonRougeGeneral and follow us on Twitter @BRGeneral and Instagram @batonrougegeneral.
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