Pinning ceremony highlights UCPS students interested in healthcare careers
Pride, excitement and many smiling faces filled Monroe High's media center during the Health Sciences Academy (HSA) pinning ceremony on Nov. 2.
During the event, 29 sophomores and two juniors received a pin symbolizing their dedication to the academy. Union County Public Schools leaders, Atrium Health personnel and students' families were in attendance.
HSA, in partnership with Atrium Health, launched in 2017 at Monroe Middle to increase student engagement. Since then, the reach and experience of students and staff have expanded to the elementary and high school levels.
Before the students received their pins, they heard from their peers, Chief Academic Officer Dr. Brad Breedlove and Rhonda Gainey, the school's career development coordinator.
Dr. Breedlove expressed gratitude to Atrium Health, the principal and the school personnel for their contributions to the program's success. He also noted the collaboration with South Piedmont Community College (SPCC) and Wingate University. He encouraged students to take advantage of all the opportunities available to them.
"This is the first step in your pathway and its completion. The whole idea of a health and sciences academy is for you to learn about health sciences and to find your niche or role in that pathway, whatever that may be. It might be nursing or business. Ultimately leading to being hired by Atrium," said Breedlove. "It's an amazing opportunity. I want to congratulate you on the commitment you have made."
Atrium Health has been vital to the academy's success by providing critical resources to help students learn more about the healthcare industry. Melissa Hines works at Atrium Health. She is one of the HSA coordinators who serve as a liaison between the two organizations. She had the honor of pinning each student.
"I am so proud of them. Getting to where they are is not easy. They had to work hard to achieve this and earn this recognition. I am glad to be a part of Atrium Health and its commitment to the academy," said Hines. "I've seen many students mature as they continue their course of study. I'm excited that they will join the next generation of healthcare professionals."
Gainey recognized the newly formed HSA Ambassadors. The ambassadors are students from all grade levels willing to be a connection between the school staff, the current student body, the community and those considering attending HSA. They will also be responsible for helping with activities and events. One of their tasks was to plan and coordinate the pinning ceremony. Students had to apply for the position and participated in an interview.
"Last year was the first pinning ceremony. Due to the pandemic, we couldn't invite guests, so it was more adult-led. This year we decided we wanted students to take ownership of it," said Principal Shannon Batchelor. "Now that we have our ambassador program set up, we wanted it to be their ceremony. We want students to see this as a program where they fit in, are leaders, represent Monroe and have responsibilities."
Tenth-grader Prince Boyer was excited about the ceremony and thankful for the chance to pursue his dream of working in sports medicine.
"I am an athlete. I play football and baseball but have an interest in health sciences. This is a way to take the things I like and blend them to have a good career," said Prince. "My first year was challenging, but I liked it. I'm excited about the next two years. I plan to continue at either SPCC or Wingate."
Sophomore Dayanara Alcauter-Mendoza received her pin and is an ambassador. She is leaning toward either becoming a physician assistant or a cardiothoracic surgeon. Dayanara said the coursework is not easy but the support she has received from her teachers helped her get through it.
"I wanted to be an ambassador because of the leadership and teamwork. You can socialize with and meet new people. Most of all, I like talking with the other ambassadors about organizing events. I couldn't help with this one because I was part of it. I can't wait for the next one," said Dayanara.
Olivia Lambert, a ninth-grader and ambassador, chose to apply to HSA because of her interest in pharmacy, radiology and sleep technicians. Olivia knew she wanted to work in medicine since she was a child. Her mother, who is a sleep technician, has been an inspiration to her. She also applied to be an ambassador because she is passionate about the program.
"The middle school I attended didn't have a health science academy. Monroe felt like the right fit. It felt like the place I needed to be to achieve what I want in my life," said Olivia. "My experience has been good. I enjoy it here. I feel like the academy is setting me on the right path. It feels reassuring. Interviewing for the ambassador position was a new experience. I was a little nervous but it was a great learning experience."
After the ceremony, students and their families got to talk and enjoy breakfast. Dayanara's mother, Maria Mendoza, beamed as they sat together and looked at the pin and certificate.
"I'm proud of her. She wants to work in a hospital or clinic helping others. I want her to continue moving forward and realize all her dreams," said Mendoza. "We are here to support her in everything she chooses to do. We are thankful for this opportunity. She has earned it."
Learn more about the Health Sciences Academy at Monroe High.
Congratulations to the following students who are committed to the Health Sciences Academy!
Class of 2024
Leyah Smith
Emely Cuevas-Hernandez
Class of 2025
Rocio Alcauter-Aguilar
Dayanara Alcauter-Mendoza
Anissa Ayala
Joshua Badillo-Belmont
Brshen Bennett
Prince Boyer
Isaac Cardenas
Daniela Cortez
Christopher Coward
Kevin Duran
Johany Galeana-Abarca
Lizeth Garcia-Rosado
Kim Guzman Ramos
Adan Hernandez-Ramirez
Vicky Hernandez-Saquich
Tyree Marsh
Luz Martinez-Neri
Xochiti Morales-Rodriquez
Kam'ron Mullis
Diego Nicholas-De Jesus
David Portillo-Delgado
T'Leah Robinson
Ashley Romero-Salgado
Janesa Salazar-Sanchez
Dulce Santillo-Izoteco
Amirrah Swain
Angel Tepozteco
Tierra Thompson-White
Scarlet Villanueva-Orellana
HSA Ambassadors
Ninth grade
Leads: Olivia Lambert and Enrique Espinoz-Cortez
Samantha Taboada
Melanie Viveros-Avilla
Jahaira Cruz Cortes
Mailyn Hernandez
Litzy Cruz Santiago
Alix Andablo
10th grade
Lead: Dayanara Alcauter-Mendoza
Rocio Alcauter-Aguilar
Dulce Santillo-Izoteco
11th grade
Lead: Emely Hernandez-Cuevas
Ashley Rivera-Cuamacateco
Marla Zapata
View the pictures of the pinning ceremony in the photo gallery below:
11/04/2022