07/06/2026
This summer, we’re celebrating the amazing alumni of Suwannee County School District and the journeys they’ve taken since graduation.
Today, we’re featuring Elizabeth Valdez, a 2023 graduate of the Practical Nursing Program at RIVEROAK Technical College. Since graduation, she has gone on to be a LPN in the Medical-Surgical and Wound Care departments at Madison Hospital.
When asked about the impact SCSD had on her, Valdez shared:
“I fell in love with nursing as a child, and that passion has only grown stronger over the years. Attending the LPN program at RIVEROAK Technical College gave me the knowledge, skills, and confidence to turn my lifelong dream into reality. Today, I am honored to serve as a LPN, providing compassionate, Patient-centered care in Medical-Surgical and Wound Care. Nursing is more than a career to me, It is a calling to care for others with empathy, excellence, and integrity every day.”
Valdez shared her favorite memory while enrolled in the Practical Nursing Program at RIVEROAK:
“I remember going through difficult times at the beginning of the LPN program. There were moments when I questioned whether I could keep going, but one person made a lasting difference in my journey. Suzanne Depew showed me incredible compassion, understanding, and encouragement during one of the hardest seasons of my life. She believed in me when I struggled to believe in myself and continually reminded me not to give up. Her support gave me the strength to persevere and keep pursuing my dream. ”
One accomplishment Valdez is especially proud of since graduating is:
“I am incredibly proud to be a nurse and grateful for the opportunity to help care for others every day. One of the greatest joys of my career is mentoring nursing students when they come to my department for their clinical rotations. I remember how challenging it was to be in their shoes, learning new skills, building confidence, and overcoming the fear of making mistakes. Because of those experiences, I strive to be the kind of nurse and mentor who is patient, encouraging, and willing to teach. I want every student to feel supported, ask questions without fear, and leave my unit with greater confidence and knowledge.”
And for current SCSD students, Valdez offers this advice:
“My advice is to trust God and never give up. There will be days when the journey feels difficult, when the workload seems overwhelming, and when the weight of the world feels heavy. During those moments, remember why you started. Keep trusting God, keep moving forward, and don't let temporary challenges stop you from reaching your purpose. Go out into the world and become the best version of yourself. Nursing is more than a career. It's an opportunity to serve others, bring hope, and make a lasting impact, one person at a time. ”
Thank you, Elizabeth, for representing SCSD so well and for inspiring the next generation of students.
The Suwannee County School District, my choice for high quality education!