Health Technology student selected for National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine

BELLEFONTAINE, Ohio – Ohio Hi-Point Career Center and Bellefontaine High School junior Sierra Summers has been nominated as a representative to attend the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine.  This summer, young scholars from across the nation will participate in the forum, which brings together high school students from around the country who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential and an interest in a career in medicine.

            “Attending this program will enable me to further my interest in the field of nursing and reach my career goals of becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist,” said Summers, who is enrolled in Ohio Hi-Point’s Health Technology program at the Career Center’s Bellefontaine Campus.  “I maintain being on the Honor Roll, and I am involved in Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), where I serve as our vice-president and treasurer.  I am also running for an officer position in the state of Ohio.”

            Throughout the 10-day forum, held in Chicago IL from July 18-27, 2010, students will be introduced to a variety of concepts in public health, medical ethics, research and general practices and will include site visits to medical facilities and clinics.

            “The National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine creates a virtual classroom with hospitals, clinical facilities and healthcare professionals.  By shadowing key personnel, these students will have a great opportunity to gain a behind-the-scenes perspective on a medical career.  Timing is critical as young people explore their career paths, just prior to immersing themselves in college coursework,” offered Dr. Marguerite C. Regan, NYLF Dean of Academic Affairs.

            Summers is currently selling raffle tickets as a fundraiser to assist her efforts in attending the forum.  Tuition and travel expenses are over $3,000.

            “I am investing every dollar I can of my own money to make sure I don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I am also taking extra jobs to raise the funds I need,” said Summers.

            Summers and her mother have taken donations from local businesses to create a gift basket that will be raffled off this month before the tuition deadline of March 26, 2010.  The Longaberger “Darning” basket has been filled with items donated from businesses such as Staples, Ohio Fitness, High Point Harley Davidson, Sunsation Tanning/Video, Ohio Hi-Point Career Center, Buckeye Spirit, Deja You, Wingers, Dairy Queen, Wren’s Florist and Kelley’s Designers Loft.

            Raffle tickets can be purchased to help support Summers in attaining her goal of being able to attend this forum.  Tickets cost $1 each or six tickets for $5.  The basket is valued at over $500. Tickets are being sold at Kelley’s Designers Loft, Deja You Resale Boutique or by calling 937-292-7975 or 937-407-7004.

            Ohio Hi-Point’s Health Technology program is offered to juniors and seniors at the Bellefontaine Campus and in a satellite program at Marysville High School.  Health Technology is a seamless program that begins in high school and continues to a college health-related program. It teaches students hands-on medical skills. Students have the opportunity to enroll in the State Tested Nurse’s Assistant (STNA) program, allowing them to take the state examination during their senior year. Students complete clinical experience in local health care facilities during their senior year and are prepared for a multitude of careers in the medical industry following college.  For more information on Health Technology or other programs visit ohiohipoint.com.