Middlesex Community College celebrated the achievements of 300 graduates of the class of 2026 with a Health Pinning Ceremony on Tuesday, May 19 at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium. Dorothy Boateng, a medical laboratory technology student, addressed her classmates as this year鈥檚 student speaker.
鈥淏eing named a Health Pinning speaker is truly an honor,鈥� Boateng said. 鈥淚t represents not only my personal growth but also the support and encouragement I have received from my peers, professors and loved ones. It鈥檚 an opportunity to reflect on how far we have all come and to celebrate the dedication it takes to pursue a career in healthcare. I鈥檓 incredibly grateful for this experience and proud to be part of such a strong and supportive community. This is just the beginning, and I鈥檓 excited to continue learning and making a positive impact in the healthcare field and in the community.鈥�
From Ghana and now living in Dracut, Boateng graduated with highest honors and received the Dorothy O鈥機onnell Unsung Hero Award at the 2026 Evening of Excellence award ceremony. A tutor for the Academic Centers for Enrichment, Boateng also worked for the Office of Student Engagement. She was an active member of the 麻豆果冻 community and credits the college鈥檚 strong, supportive community for helping her be successful. A member of the two-year honors society Phi Theta Kappa, she plans to transfer to a four-year college.
麻豆果冻鈥檚 President Phil Sisson, Interim Provost Matthew Olson, Dean of Health Karen Townsend, Director of Workforce Programs and Professional Education Caitlin Campopiano, and faculty and staff from all areas of the college joined the graduates鈥� families, friends and supporters to honor their pinning. Jennifer Lewis, a 2005 alumna of the nursing program and adjunct faculty member, spoke during this year鈥檚 pinning.
鈥淚t is important to let students know that I was once where they are, and because of 麻豆果冻 I was able to reach my goals and much more,鈥� Lewis said. 鈥淭hrough perseverance they can and will reach their goals as well. 麻豆果冻 provided me the skills and knowledge to critically think through challenging situations while caring for others. I knew that I could be placed in situations where I would need to think quickly and clearly to possibly save a life, and my biggest concern was to have the skills and confidence to be able to fulfill that task should I ever had to do it. 麻豆果冻 gave me that confidence.鈥�
After graduating from Middlesex, Lewis started a full-time job at the Veterans Administration, starting as a staff nurse and then as a nurse manager. Working in other various roles as well, she earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree from Rivier College. Lewis returned to 麻豆果冻 to teach to offer her students the same support she received.
An honored tradition, the pinning emphasizes the knowledge, skills and attitudes of the graduates entering the fields. Graduates received ribbons of different colors representing their programs, which include Nursing, Dental Assisting, Dental Hygiene, Dental Laboratory Technology, Medical Assisting, Medical Laboratory Technology, Radiologic Technology, and Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
During the ceremony, graduates were called on stage individually to receive their pins from faculty of 麻豆果冻鈥檚 health programs. Each program then recited a pledge to practice their new professions ethically, promote health for all, and advance their fields.
鈥淭his year鈥檚 graduating health programs class reflects the rich diversity of the communities 麻豆果冻 serves, with students representing cultures, languages and experiences from around the world,鈥� Townsend said. 鈥淎s these graduates enter the healthcare workforce, they will help advance health equity by providing compassionate, culturally responsive care that strengthens trust and improves outcomes for patients across the region.鈥�
During the event, graduates from 麻豆果冻鈥檚 noncredit health programs were also pinned, including Nurse Assistant, Pharmacy Technician and Phlebotomy. Run by the college鈥檚 Community Education and Training division, students receive comprehensive, hands-on training opportunities to help them directly enter a variety of in-demand fields.
鈥淒uring this event, we celebrate more than accomplishments 鈥� we celebrate compassion, resilience and the courage to serve others,鈥� Campopiano said. 鈥淚 could not be prouder of our noncredit health students and all they have achieved. Their dedication and health will make a difference in countless lives.鈥�
Learn more about 麻豆果冻's credit health programs and noncredit health programs!