Pinning Ceremony honors high school CNA students
The Alliance for Healthcare Education held a pinning ceremony on May 7, 2026, at Ozarks Tech to recognize high school juniors who recently earned their Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification.
This is the second class of students to earn their CNA certification through the Alliance for Healthcare Education in partnership with CoxHealth. As part of the Alliance, these students have attended school at Ozarks Tech, learning from healthcare professors while working toward their CNA certification. Their tuition expenses were covered by Springfield Public Schools.
SPS Superintendent Grenita Lathan congratulated the students on their accomplishment and emphasized how they are setting the standard for what’s possible when the Springfield community collaborates.
“We are so proud of the hard work, compassion and dedication this group has shown throughout the program, and we cannot wait to see where their healthcare journeys take them next,” said the Alliance for Healthcare Education.
Congratulations to the following students who recently earned their CNA certification:
- Sham Al Saleh, Parkview
- Hailey Bruce, Glendale
- Mia Carnes, Republic
- Copelyn Elliott, Central
- Ana Gillham, Parkview
- Sophia Patino, Kickapoo
The Alliance for Healthcare Education is a nonprofit corporation created by CoxHealth, Missouri State University and SPS. Alliance students receive up to 60 hours of career exploration in healthcare professions, including hands-on activities in labs, special presentations by healthcare professionals and job shadowing at Cox South.
