As written by Ainsley Hall and published in The Journal on May 20, 2024
SHENANDOAH JUNCTION — Jefferson County Schools had a special event to recognize students committing to the MedEd program at Jefferson High School on Monday.
The MedEd program, which began in Jefferson County this past year, is a partnership program where Jefferson County Schools, WVU Medicine, and Blue Ridge Community and Technical College all work together to give high school students hands-on experience in the medical field.
During the event, 25 students from Jefferson High School and Washington High School gathered in the Sara Lueck Library and Media Center to hear from some of the leaders of the MedEd program.
Ian Hillman, director of responsive education with Jefferson County Schools, welcomed everyone and invited Amelia Courts, president/CEO of the Education Alliance, which helps fund the program, to talk about the history of the program. Washington High School junior Zenia Baker talked about the successes of MedEd, while Hillman recognized MedEd’s first senior, Samantha Simpson.
At the end of the event, every student was invited to come up and sign up to officially join the program. Jefferson County Schools Superintendent Chuck Bishop believes this program is a great opportunity for students interested in the medical field.
“This is a great opportunity for students to fill a void in our community,” Bishop said. “We hear a lot about the staff shortages when it comes to the medical field. This program lets students get a head start on their careers while they are still in high school. Jefferson County Schools is very thankful for our partnership with WVU Medicine and Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, because without them, none of this would be possible.”
Two of the students who signed up for the program included sophomores Katelyn Lehman and Courtney Burkhart. They both became interested in the program, because they thought it would be a great experience, and they would be able to help people.
“I always wanted to be a nurse, so I thought this program would be a great opportunity and a fun way to get some real experience,” Lehman said.
“It’s the same for me,” Burkhart said. “College can be really expensive, but this is a great opportunity to get a head start on my career.”
Lehman and Burkhart are both looking forward to the internship and other hands-on things they’ll learn through the program. Students could choose from three pathways and will receive real training as either a laboratory technician, medical assistant or radiology technician.
For more information, visit https://www.jcswv.org/page/meded.