ABOVE PHOTO: Philanthropist Kal Rudman (center) donated approximately $26,500 in scholarships to students graduating from The Health Tech Program at Olney High School. The program is part of a collaborative effort to give students a comprehensive exposure to the health care industry. Students are placed in both clinical and non-clinical jobs providing a wide scope of clinical training. The program is made possible with the help of St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children through Communities In Schools of Philadelphia. Kal Rudman and the 2011 graduating class of 2011.
Photo: Robert Mendelsohn
St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children Health Tech Program recently had their closing ceremony for the 2011 Graduates of the program. Philanthropist Kal Rudman donated approximately $26,500 in scholarships to students graduating from The Health Tech Program at Olney High School. The program is part of a collaborative effort to give students a comprehensive exposure to the health care industry.
Students are placed in both clinical and non-clinical jobs providing a wide scope of clinical training. The program is made possible with the help of St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children through Communities in Schools of Philadelphia.
PHOTO: Channel 6 TV Anchor Lisa Thomas Laury speaks with Heidy Nunez Perez, who will be attending Penn State in the fall, Perez received $1000 scholarship from Philanthropist Kal Rudman. Heidy amazed the staff by learning to speak English in one year. She spoke during the graduation about her accomplishments and working to make her mother proud.
Photo: Robert Mendelsohn
John Michael, a 1997 Health Tech Graduate gave some encouraging words to the graduates. “I realized how precious our life is when I witnessed open heart procedure, which set the stage for me. Seeing the procedure was amazing to see a heart stop and start again. I knew then I needed to do better.”
John, said what he initially set out to do, he never accomplished but he realized he needed to work harder if he wanted to make it. “I became more focused, determined and more polished.” John went on to get his Bachelor of Science in Radiology/Biology and Bachelors of Science in Radiology and Science. John now works at University of Pennsylvania Hospital, he is the one who decides the dosage of radiation needed for a patient, in order to adequately tackle the illness and to be safe.
“I am thankful for the opportunity to pursue my dream.” John said the day he realized he was the only one in the room with his patient besides their parents he realized he had made it and there were no mentors in the room to approve his decision. He said, “The future is yours so go get it.”
Through the program, each student is provided with two mentors; one who works with the student in the Career Awareness Program, and a second who works directly with the student in the department, developing career interest skills. The youth receive varied paid work experiences in the healthcare setting, guidance from dedicated mentors, academic support, career and post secondary education exploration, life skill training, seminars, and ongoing social service support. Participants receive a monetary stipend from St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children through Communities in Schools of Philadelphia.
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