Williamsport Hospital School of Nursing - Oak Yearbook (Williamsport, PA)

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cious turkey dinner. But the banquet was not to be the last of this wonderful night. A dance followed with music provided by the fabu- lous orchestra of Charlie Masters and the Teenagers and as the song goes, I could have danced all night! Is my cap on straight? I wanted to make sure everything about my new white uniform was perfect in every detail before leaving home for graduation exercises on the evening of June 8, 1956. As soon as I arrived at Clarke Chapel, Lycoming College, I was caught in a whirlwind of pinning on roses and class pins, receiving gifts and flashing of cameras when suddenly all was calm and serene and I found mvself moving in the processional. It was a beautiful graduation ceremonv and as I stood on the stage with m diploma I couldn ' t help but remember the evening over 2 years ago when 1 had stood on the same stage, proudly holding my Nightingale lamp and displaving my newly acquired cap. I remembered the hard studies, trying procedures and strict hours onl aguelv now as mv thoughts were of the many friends, the good times and all the pleasant memories of my training days. It was hard to realize that soon these days would be— just memories. Walking from the auditorium alter the ceremony was like walk- ing into a new world filled with the promises of a bright future. I realized how really lucky I was to have such wonderful memories and looked with eager anticipation toward this new life of being A GRADUATE NURSE. I pNHVMH -i • I f • I 29

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wp liv It hardly seemed possible that 3 years could pass so quickly and that the day had come when I would be one of the guests of honor at the annual Alumni Banquet and Dance. Everyone looked for- ward to this big event but none could have been as excited as we seniors. It had been oyer a year since our whole class had been together, and this made the occasion even gayer. The banquet and dance were held at the Lycoming Hotel, June 1, 1956. What a shock, yet pleasant surprise, to see our individual pictures as part of the beautifully decorated ballroom. We were told to search for our face to find our place at the table and it seemed as if 1 found everyone ' s picture but my own. Having finally located it, I sat among my classmates to enjoy a deli- 28

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Dear Daughter: Three years have passed so swiftly, And we ' re remembering, dear, As you pass another milestone In your nursing career; You have learned the Art of Nursing To achieve your cherished eoal; And we proudly watch this stage before us As you play your final role. Many thanks to your instructors Who helped make your dreams come true They will remain in your memories forever As you start a life that ' s new. As a nurse should be, You are good and kind. It is this pleasant thought That flashes in our minds. Now, our daughter, On this your graduation night You can lay aside your stripes forever And don your dress of purest white. To you it is a symbol That you have earned the right To hold aloft your light forever. May you always keep it shining bright. We know it is a joy, But sorrow is there, too, As you depart from your friends Who shared these years with you. Always practice the Golden Rule As through this life you roam; It will lead you ever onward, ever upward, Till you sit upon His throne. —Your Mother and Dad 30