Two exceptional students from Technical College High School (TCHS) have distinguished themselves by graduating as top performers in the Chester County Intermediate Unit's (CCIU) Practical Nursing Program. The program graduated two cohorts of students on November 22. Jose Maria Maya-Zamora and Cindy Gonzalez-Arizaga have completed the program with outstanding achievements and spoke as the valedictorians of their graduation ceremony.

Under the leadership of director Beth Ann Puckett, the Practical Nursing Program provides comprehensive educational support that empowers students to transform academic excellence into professional healthcare opportunities. For those passionate about making a difference in others' lives through a rewarding healthcare career, the program provides a direct pathway to become a Licensed Practical Nurse. With a focus on comprehensive training and hands-on experience, this post-secondary program prepares students to pass the NCLEX-PN and secure a nursing career. The program’s success underscores the strategic educational approach of the CCIU and TCHS programs.

Cindy Gonzalez-Arizaga, an Avon Grove High School and TCHS Pennock’s Bridge alumna, is continuing her education at St. Joseph's University to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. “I found interest in the Practical Nursing Program and the healthcare industry through experiences at the CCIU and my time at TCHS in the Health Career Pathways program.”

Jose Maria Maya-Zamora, a West Chester Henderson High School and TCHS Brandywine alumnus explained, “I found the Practical Nursing Program through TCHS Instructor Ms. Lonsinger, who told me that the nursing program was next door to my classroom at TCHS Brandywine. She took me next door to show me the program and right then I knew I could do it.”

Focused on his future, Jose Maria said, “I am applying to become a home health nurse as my first step into the healthcare field.” 

He credited the program's industry connections, noting, “I learned about home health care through companies that would come here and speak to our class.” 

He specifically acknowledged Bayada Home Health Care, one of the program's respected partners.

Reflecting on his experience, Jose Maria concluded, "The classroom content was good, but what really made the program to me was the amazing instructors."

These graduates represent the potential of targeted, career-focused education in developing the next generation of healthcare professionals, demonstrating the impact of specialized training and institutional support.

The next CCIU PNP cohort application opened on December 2 for the Downingtown campus. To learn more about the CCIU PNP or to apply, call 484-593-5950 or visit www.chestercountynursing.org.