Two University of Arkansas – Fort Smith nursing students were recognized during an end-of-semester awards ceremony for the university’s College of Health Sciences.

 

Awards were given in four categories – valedictorian, salutatorian, outstanding clinician and the nursing spirit award.

 

Cameron Bruso of Van Buren was named valedictorian and Taylor Brandli of Gravette was named salutatorian. These awards are presented to students from the Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduating class with the highest and second-highest cumulative grade point average. Both awards were sponsored by HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Fort Smith.

 

Bruno also received the Outstanding Clinician in Nursing Award. This award is determined by the nursing faculty and presented to a student who has a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or above and demonstrates outstanding clinical practice, leadership ability and professional characteristics. The award was sponsored by Cooper Clinic.

 

Brandi received the Carolyn McKelvey Moore School of Nursing Spirit Award. She was nominated by her peers as a role model in the nursing education program. The award recognized her active involvement in the program through participation in school activities and organizations, leadership experiences and academic performance. The award was sponsored by Mercy Hospital Fort Smith.

 

During the ceremony, 40 students from the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program were pinned. The pinning of students is a time-honored nursing school tradition and is held at UAFS following the completion of their academic program of study. The pinning symbolizes the move for participants from student to nurse.