Exploring career interests, gaining hands-on experience and discovering new possibilities for their futures are all part of the journey for students in the Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) Health and Medical Sciences (HAMSci) Academy.
For freshmen in the program, that journey reached an important milestone on Thursday, Sept. 24, as students from Briar Woods and Tuscarora high schools received their white coats during a ceremony at Briar Woods High School. More than 600 students, family members and guests planned to attend the event.
The ceremony recognized students as they begin exploring health and medical sciences and the many career paths available to them. Since its launch, HAMSci Academy has continued to grow, with nearly 450 LCPS high school students now participating.
Dr. Tonya Adkins, CEO of HealthWorks for Northern Virginia, delivered the keynote address, sharing experiences from her 40-year career as an OB-GYN. She reflected on her work supporting the community and how those experiences helped shape her personally and professionally.
LCPS Superintendent Dr. Aaron Spence also addressed students, encouraging them to take advantage of the opportunities ahead, remain curious, and recognize that discovering what interests them is just as important as learning what may not be the right path.
"You don't have to have your entire future figured out today. You just have to be willing to explore with an open mind," Spence told students.
Spence also recognized the community partnerships that help make HAMSci Academy possible, including the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation, Inova Health, and the Loudoun Education Foundation.
Dr. William A. Hazel Jr., president and chief executive director of the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation, led students through the HAMSci Academy Oath. Before administering the oath, Hazel discussed its meaning and the significance of the white coat as a symbol of learning, responsibility, and service.
Through the oath, students pledged to approach their studies with curiosity and purpose, respect the dignity of others, collaborate with their peers, and recognize the importance of compassion in healthcare.
The oath concluded with a commitment that captured the meaning of the ceremony:
"Today, I accept this white coat as a symbol of my commitment to explore, to learn, to serve and to grow."
School Board members joined in recognizing and congratulating students as they received their coats. HAMSci Academy student volunteers also helped make the evening possible, welcoming families and guests, assisting with the ceremony, and supporting activities throughout the event.
For students, the white coat serves as a reminder of the opportunities ahead and the commitment they are making to learn, grow, and explore where their interests in healthcare and medical sciences may lead.