Vantage Celebrates 2026 Practical Nursing Graduates
Vantage Career Center Adult Education celebrated nine Practical Nursing graduates during its 2026 graduation and pinning ceremony on August 13, recognizing a class marked by academic achievement, dedication and compassion.
The Class of 2026 included Alana Beebe, Kyla Carder, Andrea Fletter, Dreama Hampton, Salasia Lipsey, Kenyota Pickett, Victoria Quiroz, Joann Ruan and Hailey Smith. Each graduate completed Vantage’s rigorous 1,318-hour Practical Nursing Program, which combines classroom instruction, hands-on lab training and clinical experiences.
Among the graduates, Alana Beebe made Vantage history as the first student to begin the PNP PREP pathway while in high school and go on to complete the Practical Nursing Program. PN PREP allows students to begin their nursing education while still in high school and continue their training through Vantage Adult Education.
The entire class also reached an impressive academic benchmark: every graduate earned an Exit HESI score equivalent to passing the NCLEX examination. HESI exams use NCLEX-style questions to evaluate students’ nursing knowledge and readiness for the licensure exam.
“The 2026 Practical Nursing graduates have accomplished so much throughout their time at Vantage,” said Erin Askins. “They excelled in their knowledge, skills, confidence and compassion, and their hard work, dedication and commitment to learning truly showed. To have every student achieve an Exit HESI score equivalent to passing the NCLEX is an incredible accomplishment for this class.”
Individual HESI honors went to Joann Ruan, who earned the highest Fundamentals of Nursing score; Hailey Smith, who earned the highest Pediatric, Medical-Surgical and Exit scores; and Dreama Hampton, who earned the highest Maternity and Pharmacology scores. Hampton’s Pharmacology score was the highest recorded in Vantage’s Practical Nursing Program to date.
Graduates were also recognized with Nursing Excellence Awards. Kenyota Pickett received Outstanding Motivation, Determination and Hard Work; Hailey Smith, Outstanding Learning and Education; Salasia Lipsey, Outstanding Patient Advocate; Victoria Quiroz, Outstanding Leadership; Kyla Carder, Outstanding Clinical Confidence; Alana Beebe, Outstanding Heart of Nursing; and Andrea Fletter,
Quiroz received an additional distinction for perfect attendance, completing all 1,318 hours without missing a single minute of class, lab or clinical training.
With their training complete, the graduates will take the next step toward becoming Licensed Practical Nurses as they prepare for the NCLEX. Vantage Career Center congratulates the Class of 2026 and wishes each graduate continued success in the nursing profession.
To learn more about the Practical Nursing Program and other career-training opportunities available through Vantage Career Center Adult Education, visit the Vantage Adult Education programs webpage or call 419-238-5411, ext. 2166.
