Twenty-four Pine Bush High School students graduated from the Medical Summer Enrichment Academy Tuesday, with hands-on experiences, encouragement and knowledge from some formidable guest speakers and memories to last a lifetime.
The two-and-a-half week academy provided more than 90 hours of instruction in anatomy and physiology, and expertise from guest speakers, including a dentist, dental hygienist, physical therapist, registered nurse, urologist, medical examiner and many more.
The students who participated in the academy received wilderness training and first aid training at the staged site of a wrecked car, but inside because of the high temperatures this week.
The group took its annual field trip to Philadelphia, visiting the Mutter Museum, the Franklin Institute, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Mike Reineke taught CPR and by the end of the academy, all of the students were certified in it. Katie Carson-Decker and her therapy dog, O’Malley, came by to talk to the students about the benefits of therapy dogs. Representatives from Crystal Run Healthcare, Garnet Medical Center and Touro Osteopathic Medical School also shared their knowledge.
Dr. Michael Raucci, who has run this program for more than a dozen years, thanked everyone who was involved in making this academy such a success – Interim Superintendent Amy Brockner, Assistant Superintendent for Business Joe Lenz, and the board of education for “supporting and promoting education and impactful learning experiences.”
He gave special thanks to his fellow instructor Antonia Ciccarelli, a CVMS science teacher and athletic trainer, Heidi Pagan, the instructional assistant for the academy, and to Pine Bush High School Principal Aaron Hopmayer for his vision and support for this and other programs at the high school.
Finally, Dr. Raucci thanked the families for their support and the students for their commitment to the program and for making it fun and rewarding to everyone.
“You all did a great job,” said Dr. Raucci. “You paid to come to school in the summer when you didn’t need to. We run this program to open your eyes to the possibilities science and healthcare careers can provide. I hope to see you all in my anatomy and physiology class, in our chemistry classes, our physics classes and our electives. Healthcare is a lifetime of learning and rewards. I hope to call you all colleagues someday.”
Ms. Brockner congratulated the students on completing the medical academy.
“This is a significant achievement that sets you apart and opens up countless opportunities ahead,” she said. “As you reflect on what you’ve learned and experienced, remember that this is just the beginning. In the field of medicine, continuous learning is key. Your dedication and hard work have laid a strong foundation, but it’s your passion and commitment that will drive you forward.”
Pine Bush High School Assistant Principal Denise Tzouganatos gave kudos to the students on their achievements this summer.
“This summer I witnessed the medical academy in action. I commend you all,” she said. “You have done more in these three weeks than some have done in a lifetime. You pushed out of your comfort zone. Wow! Take your newly acquired skill set and make Pine Bush High School a better place this fall.”
Medical Academy Graduates
- Shelby Cheng
- Alexa DeVito
- Kate Doti
- Fabiola Durandis
- Elisea Essien
- Samantha Fiorentino
- Hailey Fobert
- Jeffrey Greve
- Marvin Majano
- Elizabeth Metcalfe
- Alanna Nicoli
- Julissa Norris
- Amy Ortiz
- Malia Pearce
- Joselyn Pittman
- Toni Prokosch
- Ariana Rogers
- Kenania Rutty
- Kaylee Searchwell
- Julia Tanner
- Taylor Tubbs
- Marvin Valcin
- Emma Welch
- Maria Zuniga