Page 10 - Florida Sentinel 2-12-21

Local
Dunbar Elementary Students Receive White Coats
Fifth-graders at Dunbar Elementary Magnet School were outfitted with white coats on Monday, January 25, 2021, as a symbol of reaching an early milestone on their journey to ultimately becom- ing health care professionals.
The coats were presented by BEST Academy, a Tampa nonprofit creating pathways for disadvantaged students to pursue medical careers. BEST is one of several partner or- ganizations of Dunbar Ele- mentary, where students are immersed in a rigorous and comprehensive academic program focused on explor- ing health professions and real-world applications of medical knowledge and skill.
The inaugural event was similar to ceremonies gradu- ates of medical schools often participate in when they fin- ish their education. The stu- dents will get to wear their
BEST Academy board member, Kevin Richardson, Dr. Jamia Washington and her father, Hillsborough County School Board member, Henry “Shake” Washington at the White Coat Ceremony Jan. 25 for fifth-graders at Dunbar Elementary Medical Magnet School.
Dunbar fifth-graders Jayden Encarnacion (left) and Caiden Edwards (right) are helped into their white coats by Dr. Purna Bikkasani and Hillsborough County School Board member Henry “Shake” Washington.
white coats every Monday at school, in addition to their scrubs — setting them apart from their classmates in
Kindergarten through 4th grade.
BEST Academy founder, Dr. Dexter Frederick and Hillsborough County School Board member Henry “Shake” Washington were among the guests and school staff on hand to recognize the accomplishments of the fifth graders at the white coat cer- emony held outdoors on the school's covered basketball court.
Dunbar Principal Cyn- thia Crim and the magnet's Lead Teacher, Alexandra Quintyne praised the stu- dents and both expressed their joy to be part of the school team creating future healthcare professionals.
The event was also named the Leartis Mayes White Coat Ceremony in honor of retired Hillsborough County School Curriculum Specialist, Leartis Mayes. Ms. Mayes was presented an award rec-
BEST Academy founder, Dr. Dexter Frederick (right) and Tylnn Thomas, a BEST Academy alumna making a special presen- tation to retired Hillsborough County School Curriculum Special- ist Leartis Mayes.
ognizing her connection and efforts.
Brain Expansions Scholastic Training (BEST), in its 16th year, has been cre- ating opportunities for stu- dents interested in becoming health profession- als and making their dreams come true. BEST pro-
vides medical field experi- ences at hospitals, memory improvement train- ing, and service learning proj- ects for those who aspire to be medical professionals. F o r additional information, www.bestmedicalacademy.or g. (Article provided by Paul Jerome)
Local Event
‘The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song’ National Virtual Event
“The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song,” national virtual event will be on Thursday, February 11 at 7:00 PM ET (4:00 PM PT).
The guest of honor will be Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Dr. Gates will be joined by the following pan- elists:
• Rev. Dr. Yolanda Pierce, Professor and Dean of
Howard University Divinity School
• Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, III, Senior Pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ
You can sign up to attend: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/tJUtfuCqrDsrHNCzLALozofFZanT-
Od_EYSh/success?user_id=YTjIM6sORmWQvxDUMiG2cQ&timezone_id=America%2FNew_Yo rk.
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