A group of students at Pinnacle High School recently ended the first term of a special course of training and classes titled the Project H.O.P.E Program that were aimed toward preparing them for a career in the medical field. An award ceremony was hosted in their honor at The Department of Workforce Services (WFS) last week.
Zena Robinson, Project H.O.P.E Coordinator, spoke at the ceremony, stating that these students had an interest in health and were interested in supporting their success in a long-term future occupation in health. Robinson stated that since the beginning of the school year, the students have all been very committed. Although most of them are involved in other extracurricular activities, they were dedicated.
This course was possible through a one-year grant. The course is new and innovative, stated Robinson, who expressed that she hopes it takes off and is eventually placed in each school. The training was set out to take place through eight weeks of classes hosted at Workforce Services. However, the students worked hard and completed them in five weeks.
The next step will be an internship. Their final assignment in the class was a mock interview that was conducted by those involved in the program. The students were guided through preparing a mock resume and cover letter before their interviews.
Mary Schulz, Work Success Coach at WFS, then spoke, commending the students on their hard work and perseverance through the program.
“I was floored the more I got to know your kids,” Schulz told the parents in the crowd.
She went on the state that watching the students complete so much within a day inspired her. At the end of the presentation, the students were given a certificate and a professional portfolio. Cake, ice cream and beverages were then served.
Students in the program include Abigael Acosta, Jashelle Adams, Pamela Arrambula, Lacey Bennett, Yeraldy Bustillos, Jack Clarke, Alyssa Cogswell, Nikitta Cooke, Karlee Cranford, Taylor Duncan, Brandon Hyde, Josh Kerr, Brooke Lofley, Angela Osuna, Hannah Stock, Kaeley Taylor, Mallory Taylor, Cameryn Vigil and Kenneth Wilde.
Project H.O.P.E, (Health, Opportunity, Practice, Education) is a Talent Ready grant funded by the state of Utah.
