On April 16, the ETHS Foundation, an organization dedicated to raising and distributing funds for the high school, held a formal ribbon cutting ceremony to inaugurate a new health sciences lab. The lab, which was fully funded by donations to the Foundation that totaled over $800,000, aims to simulate a real hospital setting.
The lab will feature five hospital beds and multiple mannequins to allow students to learn real-life nursing skills. Those who participate in the new curricula designed for the space will have the chance to unlock career options in the medical field.
“If someone wants to continue with all the courses from sophomore year to senior year, they can actually get their CNA, which is a certified nursing assistant, where they can go out and work in the workplace [immediately after high school]” said Joanne Bertsche, Executive Director of the Foundation.
To decide what direct high school-to-career course to offer, ETHS administrators surveyed students and discovered a broad interest in the health sciences.
“We looked at creating this lab to support that kind of pathway that would launch students into health science careers,” said Bertsche.
The actual ribbon cutting ceremony featured multiple administrators and Foundation members, and Superintendent Marcus Campbell gave a speech about the importance of experiential learning. The ceremony also allowed for foundation members to thank their donors.
“Our hearts are filled with gratitude to alumni, parents, and the general community for supporting projects that are really transformational for our students,” said Bertsche.
