North Oaks Graduates 21st Class of Dietetic Interns

A world of new challenges and opportunities awaits was the message delivered by commencement speaker and Louisiana Office of Public Health Nutritionist Melissa M. Guillory to the 21st graduating class of the North Oaks Dietetic Internship during a ceremony on June 5 at the E. Brent Dufreche Conference Center in Hammond.

Graduates include: Kelly Beard of Kingwood, Texas; Ashley Braud and Amanda Hotchkiss of Baton Rouge; Bryan Delchamps of Covington; Emily Nickens of Ponchatoula; and Sara Perrilloux of Hammond.

“There are so many interesting and different opportunities for dietitians and nutritional professionals today,” Guillory attests. “You may be doing something you had no idea that you might enjoy, and you will be challenged by it.”

Emily Nickens received the Mary Nelson Award, given by the Dietetic Internship faculty for exceptional work, enthusiastic attitude, dedication to the dietetic profession and academic excellence. The award is given in memory of the late Mary Nelson, who was a professor in dietetics at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, La.

The Southeast District Dietetic Association chose Kelly Beard as recipient of the Carol Bertrand Award for Excellence. The award was created in memory of the late Bertrand, who was a registered dietitian and graduate of North Oaks’ second Dietetic Internship class.

The “Always Remembering Others” Award, given in honor of North Oaks Patient Representative Dannye Young Taylor by her husband Dr. Rodney Taylor, was presented to Kelly Beard.

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 or click here.