Chelsea High School held a special event on January 24 for 14 seniors who recently earned their certification as patient care technicians through the school’s signature Healthcare Academy and Surgical Tech program. As their proud parents, special guests, and underclassman in the program looked on, the seniors received white coats for their upcoming healthcare internships and their CPCT pins from instructor Andrea Maddox.

The first annual event was created as a rite of passage to celebrate senior Healthcare Academy internship students who received the Certified Patient Care Technician credential after passing a rigorous national exam and earning the privilege to attend hands-on patient care clinical at Shelby Baptist Medical Center and Heart South Cardiovascular Group.

Shelby County School Board Member Amber Polk, whose daughter Carsyn is a student in the program, gave the address to the interns as the special speaker. Polk, who started her career in pharmaceutical sales before becoming a realtor, reminded the students about the importance of having good character regardless of which career they ultimately choose.

Polk reminded students who want to pursue healthcare as a profession how important service and compassion are to being a trusted doctor or nurse. Polk told students one of her favorite quotes is by the late author and poet, Maya Angelou. She encouraged them to remember it as they embark on their professional journey.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

Students who were honored included Alyssa Abbott, Katie Andrews, Abby Brown, Ashleigh Simmons, Madi Glass, Logan Hamby, Abby Polk, Abby Hibbs, Miki Lin, Anna Rhoads, Reagan Rikard, Stephanie Rono, Katelyn Shirley, and Connor Gaines.

Healthcare Academy Interns with Instructor Andrea Maddox