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News November 09, 2009 Smedley High School spreading the health Monday, November 9, 2009 By LORETTA RODGERS Times Correspondent CHESTER — Donning fresh white lab coats, students attending Smedley High School for Health Careers provided tours and spoke proudly of the opportunities afforded them during an open house Thursday night at the school on Upland Street. “I want to follow in my grandmother’s footsteps in the medical field,” said sophomore Khrystine Hudnell. “My grandmother was a doctor who specialized in internal medicine, but I want to be a physical therapist.” A joint venture of the Crozer-Keystone Health System and the Chester-Upland School District, the school, which was the brain-child of Chester Upland Superintendent Dr. Gregory Thornton, opened last year in the building that housed the former Smedley Junior High School. Dedicated to preparing and motivating students to pursue and further their education in the medical science field through a highly specialized curriculum, the school, in addition to medical-related studies, includes traditional academic courses such as mathematics, science, English and social studies. “I have wanted to be in the medical field since middle school,” said 15-year-old Jamir Dobson. “I really want to become a pediatrician.” Smedley High School for Health Careers opened in the fall of 2008 with 100 students who were selected from more than 170 applicants. To qualify, applicants submitted an essay and letter of recommendation as well as meeting grade point and attendance requirements. Prior to the opening of the school, a teaching staff was hired, a new curriculum developed and renovations were made, such as the addition of computers, laboratory materials and equipment to aid the students in the learning process. In addition to classroom learning, students are given the opportunity to participate in internships and mentoring programs at Crozer-Keystone facilities. School Principal Angela Thompson expressed pride in the students’ dedication, announcing that at the end of the first year, the school experienced a 95 percent attendance record. She said this year’s attendance was again in the 90s. “Last year, we started with 100 students and I am proud to say that every single one of them has returned this year,” said Thompson. “The students love the program and we have wonderful support from Crozer-Keystone. Students are energized to be here as are the parents. We are surely excited about the energy and excitement this program has brought. The students are our future.” Joan Richards, president and chief executive officer of Crozer-Keystone Health System, spoke of commitment to the residents of Chester and outlined several partnership programs and projects, such as the new soccer stadium and University Crossings. “As important as these projects are, we know that there is no better investment in the future and the success of Chester than the education of the city’s youth,” said Richards. “That is why we are so proud to be part of the Smedley High School for Health Careers. I assure you that Crozer-Keystone has a very strong commitment to the school. We have worked with our Chester-Upland School District colleagues to execute a curriculum that gives students a well round education while preparing them for careers in heath care. Additional speakers included parent Sheena Hudnell, Chester Mayor Wendell Butler and Gwen Smith, president of Springfield Hospital and vice president of health community for Crozer-Keystone. Smith made special mention of paramedic and teacher Bill Richards, who has spent countless hours of dedication to the school. During the tour, students were proud to demonstrate the skills they have learned such as CPR. “I like to help people and when I heard about this program, I knew it would be perfect for me,” said sophomore John Lolley. “I really have a desire to work in the medical field and I know being here at Smedley will help me to achieve my goals.”

News
November 09, 2009

Smedley High School spreading the health
Monday, November 9, 2009

By LORETTA RODGERS
Times Correspondent

CHESTER — Donning fresh white lab coats, students attending Smedley High School for Health Careers provided tours and spoke proudly of the opportunities afforded them during an open house Thursday night at the school on Upland Street.

“I want to follow in my grandmother’s footsteps in the medical field,” said sophomore Khrystine Hudnell. “My grandmother was a doctor who specialized in internal medicine, but I want to be a physical therapist.”

A joint venture of the Crozer-Keystone Health System and the Chester-Upland School District, the school, which was the brain-child of Chester Upland Superintendent Dr. Gregory Thornton, opened last year in the building that housed the former Smedley Junior High School.

Dedicated to preparing and motivating students to pursue and further their education in the medical science field through a highly specialized curriculum, the school, in addition to medical-related studies, includes traditional academic courses such as mathematics, science, English and social studies.

“I have wanted to be in the medical field since middle school,” said 15-year-old Jamir Dobson. “I really want to become a pediatrician.”

Smedley High School for Health Careers opened in the fall of 2008 with 100 students who were selected from more than 170 applicants.

To qualify, applicants submitted an essay and letter of recommendation as well as meeting grade point and attendance requirements.

Prior to the opening of the school, a teaching staff was hired, a new curriculum developed and renovations were made, such as the addition of computers, laboratory materials and equipment to aid the students in the learning process.

In addition to classroom learning, students are given the opportunity to participate in internships and mentoring programs at Crozer-Keystone facilities.

School Principal Angela Thompson expressed pride in the students’ dedication, announcing that at the end of the first year, the school experienced a 95 percent attendance record. She said this year’s attendance was again in the 90s.

“Last year, we started with 100 students and I am proud to say that every single one of them has returned this year,” said Thompson. “The students love the program and we have wonderful support from Crozer-Keystone. Students are energized to be here as are the parents. We are surely excited about the energy and excitement this program has brought. The students are our future.”

Joan Richards, president and chief executive officer of Crozer-Keystone Health System, spoke of commitment to the residents of Chester and outlined several partnership programs and projects, such as the new soccer stadium and University Crossings.

“As important as these projects are, we know that there is no better investment in the future and the success of Chester than the education of the city’s youth,” said Richards. “That is why we are so proud to be part of the Smedley High School for Health Careers. I assure you that Crozer-Keystone has a very strong commitment to the school. We have worked with our Chester-Upland School District colleagues to execute a curriculum that gives students a well round education while preparing them for careers in heath care.

Additional speakers included parent Sheena Hudnell, Chester Mayor Wendell Butler and Gwen Smith, president of Springfield Hospital and vice president of health community for Crozer-Keystone. Smith made special mention of paramedic and teacher Bill Richards, who has spent countless hours of dedication to the school.

During the tour, students were proud to demonstrate the skills they have learned such as CPR.

“I like to help people and when I heard about this program, I knew it would be perfect for me,” said sophomore John Lolley. “I really have a desire to work in the medical field and I know being here at Smedley will help me to achieve my goals.”