Pipeline Program Hosts 24th Annual Junior White Coat Ceremony
The CDU Pipeline Program hosted the 24th Annual Junior White Coat Ceremony for the next generation of healthcare professionals and scientists.
Pre-K – 12th grade Saturday Science Academy II (SSA II) students were honored with a certificate of completion and presented with white coats for their participation in the program. This year’s theme was “Reaching for the Stars” and the ceremony was held at King Drew Magnet High School of Medicine and Science.
“The event was a resounding success with over 350 guests in attendance,” said Dr. Dulcie Kermah, SSA II Director.
The event featured remarks from Dr. Kermah, representatives from CDU administration, and CDU faculty. Dr. David M. Carlisle, CDU President and CEO, provided the University Welcome, Dr. Rasheed Ivey, CDU and SSA II alumni, served as keynote speaker and Dr. Aneka Braxton provided Alumni Remarks. Senator Steven Bradford of the 35th District was also present to share SSA II reflections with guests.
SSAII students participated throughout the ceremony by performing various recitations including the Pledge of Allegiance, speeches from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Dr. Charles R. Drew, and Cesar Chavez. SSA II students took an oath during the event promising to treasure what they’ve learned in the program and to continue their quest to higher education.
“The highlight of the event was having members from our inaugural CDU Medical School class coat 70 outstanding SSA II students with the ‘Junior White Coat,’” said Dr. Kermah.
Penelope, who would like to become a pediatrician, led a bodily organ demonstration with fellow SSA II student, Sayid Hart, during the ceremony. Medical student David Heredia presented his five-year-old daughter, Penelope Heredia, with her white coat.
“I was overjoyed and extremely proud of her. She was nervous to do her presentation but once she was up there, I was happy to see that she was excited and having a lot of fun with it,” said David Heredia. “It was very special to be a part of her junior white coat ceremony and is a great memory to cherish.”
CDU’s SSA II exposes Pre-K through 12th-grade students to fun and engaging science material in an effort to motivate them to move into the healthcare field after graduating high school.
The program deepens and sustains student interest in science and health education and establishes a pathway through college and into health professions.
“We look forward to providing our students from the community with hands-on experience and a nurturing environment for them to get motivated and encouraged to pursue careers in Science Technology Engineering Mathematics and Medicine (STEMM),” shared Dr. Kermah. “We look forward to having our CDU family and Community join us at our next Junior White Coat Ceremony which will be our silver jubilee celebration.”
