Ten Reno County high school students were recently honored as the first graduating class of the Hutchinson Regional Academy.
Under the program, established in 2013 by Hutchinson Regional Healthcare System, ten area high school students contemplating careers in healthcare spent the summer working in eight departments within the hospital.
Those completing the Hutchinson Regional Medical Center Academy are:
Mattie Bieberly, Hutchinson High School; Jamie Kendrick, Buhler High School; Mary Brigid Reilly, Trinity Catholic High School; Kaylee Schmidt, Buhler High School; Hannah Strickler, Nickerson High School; Matthew Sunner, Hutchinson High School; Kaetlin Weniger, Trinity Catholic High School; Shaylee Wewe, Pretty Prairie High School; Zachary Wilt, USD 312 Pleasantview Academy; and Kaylee Witt, Hutchinson High School.
Competition for selection to the Academy was open to Reno County high school students who are entering their 11th and 12th grade years in the Fall of 2013.
Julie Ward, Vice President of Patient Care Services, said competition for selection to the class was very keen and the requirements included at least a 3.0 overall grade point average and at least a 3.25 grade point average in science related courses on a 4.0 grading system. All applicants were required to complete a lengthy application followed by an interview with a selection committee made up of Hutchinson Regional Medical Center healthcare professionals.
Class members worked 24 hours per week for eight weeks rotating through eight hospital departments including radiology, nursing, surgery, respiratory, the Heart and Vascular Center, cardiac rehab, pulmonary rehab, Chalmers Cancer Treatment Center, laboratory, pharmacy and rehab services. Students also had the opportunity to shadow Dr. Timothy Crater, internal medicine physician.
A series of Lunch ‘N Learn session provided time for the interns to interact with healthcare professionals in administration, human resources, finance, materials management, information systems, medical records, quality and risk management, and medical staff services.
Each intern was required to deliver a presentation on their experiences at a banquet held on August 6 at Prairie Dunes Country Club. The banquet was attended by family members, teachers, and Hutchinson Regional Medical Center Board members and staff. All class members spoke of their plans to pursue a career in the healthcare industry.
Matthew Sunner and Shaylee Wewe were awarded $500 scholarships at the conclusion of the banquet as a result of the enthusiasm and passion they exhibited throughout the mentoring program.
In a charge to the class, Ward told the graduates that anything is possible, and how well-known Americans dealt with adversity and rejection, including famed dancer Fred Astaire who was once told he had few skills doing what he eventually became famous for.
“When I was young, I spent too much time hurrying up to get something done,” Ward said. “I urge all of you to slow down and enjoy the journey.”