LEWISTON — The Central Maine Medical Center College of Nursing and Health Professions honored 54 graduating nursing students at a recent pinning ceremony. A number of graduating students received awards during the ceremony.

Michael Boucher, senior class co-coordinator, addressed the graduates and guests. Nancy Jo Ross, director of the College of Nursing, offered the blessing of nurses’ hands.

Benjamin M. Tarr of Lisbon was presented the Charles E. Fortier Jr. Memorial Award, given to the student whose “behavior as a whole is indicative of a people-oriented person,” who directs “his or her expression in action rather than denying its existence” and whose “sense of humor permeates all of his or her activities.”

Sarah C. Reed of Bethel was given the Samuel L. Singer and Ruth Small Award. This award is presented to a student who will become a credit to herself and her profession, who shows pride as a representative of the CMMC CONHP and maintains good academic standing.

Amber D. Lussier of Auburn was the winner of the Central Maine General Hospital-CMMC College of Nursing Alumni Association Award. The winner of the Alumni Association Award is chosen by members of the graduating class as the person they would most like to care for themselves or their family. Alumna Dorothy Crowley Noel presented this award.

Raj Woolever, M.D., program director of the CMMC Family Medicine Residency, presented the CMMC Medical Staff Awards for Excellence in Nursing. The awards were presented to the following graduates: Ryan G. Gauvin of South Portland for medical nursing; Chantel C. Giguere of Lewiston, surgical nursing; Hali A. Ryder of Auburn, obstetrical nursing; and Jennifer D. Bowdish of West Bath, pediatric nursing.

Students were awarded pins, there was a candlelight ceremony and students recited a nursing pledge.