WIRED Grant Awarded for Wakulla High School Medical Academy
Wakulla High School’s current Health Sciences program was awarded a $130,000 grant to implement a Medical Academy beginning in August, 2008. The grant awards are funded by Florida’s Great Northwest’s WIRED (Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development) initiative.
The grant will be used to branch into Biomedical Technology from the already successful Health Sciences program that graduates students from high school with their Certified Nursing Assistant certification. “Biomedical technology is one of the fastest growing fields in Florida,” stated Superintendent David Miller. “Our students will have a real advantage in the job market for high-wage, high-demand careers.”
The Medical Academy is different from regular programs of study in that it will incorporate an Advisory Board comprised of professionals from the medical community. In addition, the students will have academic classes of math, science, and social studies integrated into their Medical Academy courses. The program can also lead to a Florida Bright Futures Scholarship.
Registered Nurse Diane Cook will continue to teach her successful Health Science courses and take students on clinical rotations in the hospitals, while biology teacher Bob Wallace will teach the introductory ninth grade course of Medical Skills and Services, incorporating biomedical technology and laboratory experiences.
Workforce Initiatives Vice President Pam Tedesco made the award at the Wakulla County School Board Meeting on April 21. On hand to accept were students currently in the Health Sciences program; their instructor Diane Cook, R.N.; Superintendent David Miller; Wakulla High Principal Mike Crouch; Assistant Principal Jackie High; Workforce Plus CEO Kimberly Moore, and a host of others.
Assistant Superintendent for Instruction Beth O’Donnell and Wakulla High Career Specialist Sarabeth Jones wrote the grant. For more information, contact Beth O’Donnell at 926-0065 or Sarabeth Jones and next school year’s Assistant Principal Sunny Chancy at 926-7125.
- Submitted by Beth O'Donnell, Asst. Superintendent for Instruction
This article originally published on April 24, 2008.
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