The volunteer nurse members chose the third-year Dickinson-Iron Technical Education Center Graphic Communications student’s artwork to represent the local non-profit organization.

The Upper Peninsula Nurses Honor Guard was established in 2019 by Escanaba nurse Barb VanRooy, with the local group forming in May 2024.

Last May, the chapter separated to become the Nurses Honor Guard of Dickinson-Iron Counties.

“At that time, we needed to come up with our own logo,” member Lauri Oberdorfer said, adding they currently have about 30 members.

A close-up of the new logo Kingsford High School senior Athena Donnelly created for the Nurses Honor Guard of Dickinson-Iron Counties. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News)

The group’s mission is to provide recognition and dignity to fellow nurses.

The Nurses Honor Guard conducts a nostalgic Florence Nightingale tribute ceremony at a funeral or service to honor the nurse’s dedication to the profession. Each is dressed in a traditional white uniform, cap and cape, and carries a lamp that illustrates the light that a nurse becomes to their patients.

Each ceremony volunteers recite the Nightingale Tribute and place a white rose on the casket or next to the urn.

Donnelly’s logo design features the candle lamp that represents a symbol of hope and comfort, with a single white rose in the center.

“Looking at that hand-drawn silhouette, white rose that is outlined in gold — I knew for me, that was it,” Oberdorfer said. “It has such detail — it’s just beautiful.”

Donnelly started to work on the project at the beginning of the school semester. “The initial design only took about a week to create and the rest came along after talking with the ladies,” she said.

The project included using the logo to produce a large banner, posters, brochures/pamphlets, address labels, thank-you notes, letterhead, business cards and stickers.

“She also made a pin that is still in the works,” Oberdorfer said. “She has been so great to work with.”

“It has taken about three months to complete everything,” Donnelly added.

DIISD Graphic Communications Paraprofessional Denise Tapio explained that students in the graphic communications program get to use their creative skills for many community non-profits.

“Over the years, we have done so many projects, including creating posters, brochures, cards, and T-shirts for local organizations,” Tapio said.

Donnelly added she has recently completed projects for the First Presbyterian Church of Kingsford, including their pamphlets, kids posters and bags for new members.

Tapio explained the course provides students with an opportunity to learn valuable skills within the design and print field that will prepare them for college or enter straight into the work force.

After graduation, Donnelly plans to attend Northern Michigan University in the fall to pursue a degree in teaching graphic design. “I would love to teach graphics someday like Mrs. (instructor Rebecca) Frates and Mrs. Tapio,” she said.

Oberdorfer said the dedication service is offered to any licensed nurse who has passed away throughout the U.P. and northern Wisconsin. “Area funeral homes will offer the services of the Nurse Honor Guard at the time of arrangements are made,” she said.

Any active, licensed or retired nurse interested in joining the Nurses Honor Guard of Dickinson-Iron Counties can contact Oberdorfer at 906-282-9180.

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Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.