North Oaks School of Radiologic Technology Graduates 57th Class

The fifty-seventh graduating class of North Oaks School of Radiologic Technology was honored during a commencement ceremony the evening of Wednesday, July 1.

Program Director Heather Koepp noted this class achieved a 100% job placement rate, with six of the 11 graduates joining the North Oaks Health team.

The 11 graduates include (seated, from left) Amy Lynn Borgstede of Slidell; Carlee M. Gardiner of Independence; Anna C. Barnum of Springfield; Presley T. Pevey of Albany; Marisa Lynn Buras of Covington; (standing, from left) Brooklyn E. Burgess of Berwick; Mason M. Velthouse of Mandeville; Hunter E. Ivey of Covington; Brock J. Pregeant of Loranger; Allison J. Williams of Prairieville and Madeline Elizabeth Maher of Madisonville.

Barnum, Borgstede, Buras, Burgess, Ivey, Maher, Pevey, Pregeant, Velthouse and Williams graduated with honors as members of Lambda Nu, a national honor society for the radiologic and imaging sciences. Membership requires maintaining a 3.0 cumulative grade-point average on a 4.0 scale.

The commencement was held at the E. Brent Dufreche Conference Center within North Oaks Diagnostic Center on the North Oaks Medical Center campus.

North Oaks Chief Human Resources Officer Jeff Jarreau presided over the ceremony, marking the completion of a rigorous two-year program that includes 2,000 clinical hours and more than 1,200 classroom hours.

North Oaks Pastoral Care Director Keith Kincaid delivered the invocation, and Velthouse led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Building on the program’s strong academic and clinical foundation, the commencement address was delivered by Gabrielle Barnett, a 2012 alumna of North Oaks School of Radiologic Technology and a 14-year employee of North Oaks Health. Barnett currently serves as Radiology Manager.

Encouraging graduates as they begin their careers, Barnett emphasized both the technical expertise and compassion required in the field, noting, “Radiology is often called the eyes of medicine. We see what others cannot. We help uncover answers that guide diagnoses and bring clarity when uncertainty feels overwhelming.”

She also highlighted the lasting impact of patient-centered care, adding, “A simple five minutes of kindness while imaging a patient can change a patient’s experience. You might be the calm voice they remember or the person who helped ease a frightening moment.”

Closing her remarks, Barnett encouraged graduates to embrace their future with confidence, telling them, “As you walk across this stage today, know that you are ready. Know that you are capable. Know that you are needed.”

Before the presentation of diplomas by Koepp, several students were recognized with outstanding achievement awards. Didactic Instructor Ben Raney presented the Academic Award to Borgstede for achieving the highest overall scholastic average.

Maher received the Dannye Young Taylor “Always Remembering Others” Award, presented by Didactic Instructor Kenneth E. Travis, in recognition of selfless assistance to others and dedication to teamwork. The award honors the legacy of Taylor, a longtime North Oaks Health patient representative, and was established by her husband, Dr. Rodney Taylor.

The Performance and Attitude Award for exceptional clinical performance was presented to Barnum by Clinical Coordinator Stephanie A. Rayborn.

Pregeant received the CARE Award from Koepp in recognition of his commitment, attitude, respect for others and consistent effort.

In her remarks, Koepp noted that many members of the Class of 2026 earned recognition at both the state and national levels through the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT) and Louisiana Society of Radiologic Technologists (LSRT).

North Oaks students made a strong showing within LSRT. Williams led as chair of the LSRT Student Council, with Barnum also serving on the council. Pevey placed second and Williams third in the organization’s annual essay competition.

Buras, Pevey and Pregeant graduated from the LSRT Student to Leadership Development Program, with Pevey recognized as one of two program MVPs and Buras receiving the 2025 LSRT Joe Schwartz Memorial Scholarship.

Nationally, Pregeant was one of 109 students selected to participate in the ASRT Student to Leadership Development Program and one of three chosen from Louisiana. He also represented North Oaks and the LSRT at the 2026 ASRT Educational Symposium and House of Delegates meeting in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Rounding out the Class of 2026’s accolades, Borgstede, Buras, Maher, Pevey, Pregeant and Williams received ASRT Foundation Sponsor a Student grants.

Buras will continue her education in the radiation therapy program at Delgado Community College in New Orleans.

In closing, Koepp encouraged graduates to lead with purpose, telling them, “Graduates, our future depends on technologists who dare to care a little louder and lead a little stronger. Stay motivated, stay driven and always remember your ‘why’ is to advocate for and improve the lives of your patients.”

Established in 1967, North Oaks School of Radiologic Technology is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. The school offers a comprehensive 24-month program combining classroom and clinical instruction to prepare students for careers in diagnostic imaging.

Upon graduation, students are eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists national certification examination and apply for Louisiana state licensure through the Louisiana State Radiologic Technology Board of Examiners.

Applications for the 2027–2029 class will be accepted through May 15, 2027. Applications are available online here. For more information, call North Oaks School of Radiologic Technology at (985) 230-7805.