Students from the Medical Summer Enrichment Academy graduated from the program with hands-on experiences, knowledge from incredible guest speakers and wonderful memories.

Students packed so much into their 90-plus hours of instruction over the two-and-a-half weeks – anatomy, physiology, healthcare instruction, guest speakers from Garnet Medical Center, Crystal Run Healthcare, the medical examiner’s office, Touro Osteopathic Medical School, and others.

 

 

Dr. Michael Raucci, who has run this program for a dozen years, thanked everyone who was involved in making this academy such a success, especially Pine Bush High School Principal Aaron Hopmayer for his vision and support of the academy programs, as well as the district administrators – Superintendent Brian Dunn and Assistant Superintendents Amy Brockner and Joe Lenz – and the board of education that make it all possible.

The 28 students who participated in the medical academy received wilderness training, with help from the U.S. Army and the Pine Bush Ambulance Corp, and first aid training at the staged site of a wrecked car.

 

“Thank you Mr. Dunn, Mrs. Brockner and Mr. Lenz, as well as our school board for supporting and promoting education and impactful learning experiences for our students,” said Dr. Raucci. Board members Cara Robertson and Dori Johnson attended the graduation ceremony.

Dr. Raucci, who was assisted by Antonia Ciccarelli, a CVMS science teacher and athletic trainer, and intern Abigail Oliveras, said all of the students in the academy are now certified in first aid and CPR.

 

 

The group took its annual field trip to Philadelphia, visiting the Mutter Museum, the Franklin Institute, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where they did their best Rocky imitation.

“You all did a great job,” said Dr. Raucci. “You paid to come to school in the summer when you didn’t need to. You all have an aptitude for science and there are so many great science classes for you to take. I hope to see you all in classes, especially anatomy and physiology.”

Tiffany Tinoco is entering senior year with plans to go into the medical field. Attending this enrichment academy helped her solidify that. “It was very hands on and there was so much information provided to us in such a short time,” she said. “I really enjoyed it.”

 

 

Principal Hopmayer echoed Dr. Raucci’s words. “You set yourself apart from others by participating in this academy,” he said. “You have great support from your parents. There is a great shortage in healthcare. I’m glad to see you will be taking care of us some day.”

Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Amy Brockner remarked that this academy program is so special.

“This doesn’t happen in every district,” she said. “The list of community members and stakeholders who participated really shows how special this is. It really does take a village to get this done. I hope you keep going – continue to learn, continue to grow.”

Here is a video recapping the adventures of the medical academy in 2023.

 

 

Medical Academy Graduates

• Ajahnae Allen
• Arianna Arroyo
• Paola Cabrera
• Mikayla Campbell
• Jun-Ho Chen
• Chad Fiorentino
• Gavin Gardocki
• Stephanie Hernandez
• Alani Lopez
• Dalis Mann
• Erin McLean
• MaryRose Moran
• Hannah Pawlawski
• Nina Persaud
• Thomas (TJ) Pizzulli
• Angalina Price
• Shylah H. Smith
• Tiffany Stangoni
• Aryanna Soto
• Emma Sullivan
• Madison Thornhill
• Kelis Tinsley
• Tiffany Tinoco
• Mackenzie Todd
• Jenna Tracy
• Peyton Tracy
• Joshua Vidal
• Liam Woodruff