NMCC, Higher Ed Center host events
Four-dozen senior citizens were acknowledged for the important role they are playing in the education and training of the region’s future nurses at two celebratory events held in Presque Isle and Houlton recently.
Contributed Photo
TEA HONORS VOLUNTEERS — The Northern Maine Community College nursing program honored 48 volunteers who open their homes for nursing students in communities throughout the County. Shown above is volunteer Lettie Ivey and nursing student, Leisha Murray on the right.
Afternoon teas held on the Northern Maine Community College campus and at the Houlton Higher Education Center brought together NMCC nursing students and faculty with well-elders that live throughout the county. The well-elder program has been a part of the nursing curriculum at NMCC for more than a decade. It pairs members of the first-year nursing class with healthy senior citizens who volunteer to allow students into their homes throughout the semester.
“We cannot thank you enough for graciously allowing our students into your homes,” said Betty Kent-Conant, nursing and allied health department chair to the 75 seniors, student nurses and NMCC faculty gathered at the Presque Isle celebration and via videoconference technology to the more than two dozen individuals gathered in Houlton.
“You have played an important role in helping to mold the future generation of nurses. It is so important to plant the seeds of knowledge so our students can sow those seeds. Like the sun, you are a welcome sight. Thank you for helping our students bloom.”
To tie in with Kent-Conant’s remarks, the seniors gathered at both sites were each given a packet of seeds and a card of thanks from the student they assisted this fall. Enclosed in the card was a bookmark in the shape of the NMCC logo with a personalized message of thanks to each senior.
In Presque Isle, the students were introduced by instructor Daryl Boucher, first-year nursing coordinator and in Houlton, instructors Deborah Folsom and Deborah Sennett, who lead the southern Aroostook cohort, introduced their students. At both locations, the students called forward their well-elder to receive the gift.
