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Project Lead the Way Biomedical Students Honored at White Coat Ceremonies Project Lead

May 26th, 2023 by WCBC Radio

The Way (PLTW) Biomedical Science students from Allegany High School, Fort Hill High School, and Mountain Ridge High School were recognized at their schools at the 5th Annual White Coat Ceremony. Each school held its own event: Fort Hill High School’s ceremony was held on Thursday, April 27th at 9:00 am; Allegany High School’s ceremony was on Monday, May 15th at 1:00 pm; and Mountain Ridge High School held its event on Tuesday, May 16th at 10:00 am. Prior to the ceremonies, students showcased their research projects in a gallery walk. The White Coat Ceremony is a recognition awarded to senior students who have successfully completed the entire four-course sequence for the PLTW Biomedical Science Program. Receiving the White Coat serves as a reminder to students of their journey and their commitment to continuing to apply themselves beyond high school to make their goals a reality. Alumni speakers from the Biomedical Science programs were keynote speakers at each ceremony: Kara McCusker, Fort Hill; Alexis Broadwater, Allegany; and Hunter Barclay, Mountain Ridge. During the ceremony, students were also presented with a gray graduation cord to be worn with their robes at graduation. This honor is bestowed upon all students who complete a Career and Technical Education Pathway in the Allegany County Public School System. The final recognition of the evening was the announcement of the mock interview winner for the county-wide event held virtually in April. Kyler Baker, a senior student from Mountain Ridge High School, was selected by the mock interview panel as the top student in the county based on his interview, portfolio, and resume. Kyler is the son of Christina and Lark Light and Barry Baker. Kyler plans to attend Allegany College of Maryland to pursue a degree in nursing in hopes of becoming a pediatric nurse. Joseph Brewer, Supervisor of Career and Technical Education, stated, “We are proud of the seniors who have completed the rigorous Project Lead the Way program at Allegany County Public Schools. It is evident from their accomplishments that they will be successful as they continue their education in biomedical sciences or choose to pursue a career in another field.”

The PLTW Program began in ACPS in the 2014-2015 school year with the inclusion of the first course, Principles of Biomedical Sciences. Current program enrollment in Allegany County stands at 340 students. This year, the program will graduate 48 completers from the program. From Allegany High School: Marissa Adams, Dean Arnold, Cayden Bratton, Donald Darr, Matthew Flanagan, Delany Glotfelty, Abigail Grove, Asia Jones, Chelsey Jones, Matthew Lowery, Chase McKenzie, Joshua Nelson, Zoey Rhodes, Hanna Riggleman, Savannah Roach, Lexus Sell, Skylar Stewart, and Ariaya Walker From Fort Hill High School: Jessalyn Bartlett, Emilee Mash, Macie McKinley, Maxwell Newman, and Diamond Scott From Mountain Ridge High School: Kyler Baker, Adyson Beal, Trinitie Beeman, Mackenzie Bishop, Carley Clise, Rebekah Garrison, Macy Guinn, Sage Harris, Karlee Miller, Emma Monahan, Kamden Morgan, Brianna Murphy, Kiawna Paugh, Paige Pirolozzi, Claire Raesly, Arymi Reece, Riley Ritchey, Elizabeth Schramm, Kaitlyn Simpson, Amiah Smith, Ella Snyder, Olivia Straley, Kourtney Taylor, Chyanne Thompson, and Samantha Wiland "Congratulations to an exceptional group of seniors who have excelled in their high school career, and good luck in your future endeavors,” commented Dr. Eric VanSlyke, Secondary Science Supervisor and Coordinator of the PLTW Biomedical program. “In the words of C.S. Lewis, ‘You are never too old to set a new goal or dream a new dream!’”