Miami, Okla. — Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College celebrated the accomplishments of 52 nursing graduates during the Nursing Pinning Ceremony held May 7, 2026, in the Fine Arts Auditorium.
NEO Nursing Class of 2026 Graduates
The nursing pinning ceremony marks the completion of educational requirements and symbolizes students' transition into the nursing profession. The event honored the graduates' hard work, dedication, and commitment to providing compassionate patient care as they begin their careers in healthcare.
Several students were recognized for outstanding achievement and leadership throughout the program.
Students graduating with a 4.0 GPA included Jennifer Baldwin, River Friel, Brie Mileo, Samantha Powers, and Abigail Zahm.
The Outstanding Graduate Student Award, recognizing overall performance and dedication to the program, peers, and profession, was presented to Taylor Hudson.
The Excellence in Clinical Performance Award was awarded to Hanna Young and Abigail Zahm for exceptional clinical performance.
The Student Leadership Award, presented to students who demonstrated consistent leadership through their actions and performance, was awarded to Dawn Compton and Anna Gough.
The Norseman Pride Representative Award was presented to Haden Woodcock in recognition of resilience, perseverance, and growth throughout the nursing program.
Additionally, Dawn Compton received the Nursing Student Representative Award, selected by peers.
"This was a big class, but they seem to have a cohesion of relationships," said Nursing Department Chair Jeanette Blankenship. "Our community will benefit from the students' academic achievements and vast clinical experiences. And we are blessed to have such a great group of educators who work tirelessly to help our students excel."
The annual Nursing Pinning Ceremony serves as both a celebration of achievement and a meaningful tradition recognizing the next generation of healthcare professionals prepared to make a difference in their communities.
NEO congratulates all nursing graduates and wishes them continued success as they begin their nursing careers.
Photos from the event can be viewed at: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCTjmG
For more information, contact NEO's Coordinator of Public Relations and Marketing Jonah Fabian at jfabian@neo.edu, or at 918-540-6211.
Release: https://neo.edu/neo-honors-graduates-at-nursing-pinning-ceremony/
About NEO A&M College:
Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College is a public two-year residential college in Miami, Oklahoma, established in 1919, dedicated to providing opportunities that promote excellence in learning, service, and leadership in a global society. The college offers nationally recognized associate degree programs in agriculture, math and science, business and technology, nursing, allied health, and physical education, communication and fine arts, and social sciences. Campus life includes award-winning intercollegiate athletics, vocal music, marching band, jazz band, studio art, drama, music theatre, twenty student clubs and organizations, and dorms for over 900 students. More than 200 scholarships are available for NEO students, and Oklahoma's Promise recipients receive a free traditional dorm waiver.
Jonah Fabian
Coordinator of Public Relations and Marketing
O: 918-540-6211 | E: jfabian@neo.edu
Dyer Hall 112
Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College
200 I St NE, Miami, OK 74354
