High school students inspired to careers in health care at Advocate Condell Medical Center

The 56th annual Penwasciz program began at Advocate Condell Medical Center, in Libertyville, this month with 16 new candidates.

The program's name was derived from the words “pen, watch, and scissors.” The items are traditional components of a nurse's tool kit. The curriculum is designed to provide participants with practical hands-on experience in a real healthcare environment. Many of the past graduates have chosen careers in health care.

The students will be working under the supervision of Penwasciz Program Coordinator, Patricia Burke, RN, BSN. As part of the program, the students will work in various areas of the hospital including Physical Therapy, Patient Care Units, Radiology and the Emergency Department.

The program ends on May 3, 2010 with a graduation ceremony where two students will receive The Jac Bellis Memorial Scholarship and a second scholarship that will be presented by the Auxiliary Department.

This year's candidates include:

Carmel Catholic High School

John Thumel, Senior

Grant High School

Krish Patel, Senior

Lake Zurich High School

Halie Krause, Senior

Taylor Goggin, Senior

Kevin Blume, Junior

Libertyville High School

Meg Ryan, Senior

Kelly Sloan, Junior

Ryan Cummins, Senior

Jenny Prochotsky, Senior

Mundelein High School

Alissa Fiore, Junior

Chris DeLeon, Senior

Rachel Hupp, Senior

Lakes Community High School

Anthony Osuma, Junior

Vernon Hills High School

William Padavano, Senior

Grace Dobbertein, Junior

Zion Benton High School

Alexandra Walles, Senior