North Oaks Honors 19th Class of Dietetic Interns with Graduation Ceremony

Six graduates of the 2012 North Oaks Dietetic Internship Program celebrated their accomplishments at a ceremony and reception held on Thursday, June 7, 2012. Pictured from left are Hannah Palmer of Jacksonville, Fla., Elizabeth Wilson of Toledo, Ohio, Leah B. Dubret of LaPlace, North Oaks Nutritional Services Director Ann McDaniel-Hall, Kristin Yarborough West of Denham Springs, Alexandra M. Joffrion of Baton Rouge, Lindsay Faulk of Abbeville, North Oaks Dietetic Internship Director Virginia Pelegrin and North Oaks Education Director Nicole Barnum.

[HAMMOND, La.] – Members of the North Oaks Medical Center Dietetic Internship Program’s 19th graduating class were encouraged to be open to discovery and to explore an array of opportunities during a ceremony and reception on Thursday, June 7 at the E. Brent Dufreche Conference Center, located within North Oaks Diagnostic Center.

Graduates include Leah B. Dubret of LaPlace, Lindsay Faulk of Abbeville, Alexandra M. Joffrion of Baton Rouge, Hannah Palmer of Jacksonville, Fla., Kristin Yarborough West of Denham Springs, Elizabeth Wilson of Toledo, Ohio.

“The North Oaks Dietetic Internship has graduated six highly qualified individuals who are ready to become members of health care teams in the surrounding community. They are prepared to provide nutritional education as a cost-effective component of optimum health,” noted Virginia Pelegrin, North Oaks Medical Center Dietetic Internship Director.

Several graduates were honored during the event. Alexandra Joffrion received the Mary Nelson Award that is given by the Dietetic Internship faculty for exceptional work and enthusiastic attitude, dedication to the dietetic profession and academic excellence.

Lindsay Faulk received the Carol Bertrand Award for Excellence, presented by the Southeast District Dietetic Association. The Award was created in memory of the late Bertrand, who was a registered dietitian and graduate of North Oaks’ second Dietetic Internship class.

Leah B. Dubret was selected by the Louisiana Dietetic Association to receive its Outstanding Intern Award, based on her participation in activities, honors and organizations.

Dr. Rodney Taylor presented the Dannye Young Taylor “Always Remembering Others” Award in honor of his wife to Kristin West in recognition of selfless assistance of others.

Kasie Bono of Abbott Nutrition provided the keynote speech and told the graduates that their journeys may not always be what they expect, but “will always be what you make it.”

“Always remember that life is a journey, not a destination,” she shared. “Your opportunities are limitless.”

The North Oaks Dietetic Internship Program offers qualified individuals a unique opportunity to attain eligibility for the Registration Examination for Dietitians through 1 year of supervised experience. For more information about the North Oaks Dietetic Internship, contact the program office at (985) 230-6548.