The Pascagoula-Gautier School District, in partnership with Singing River Healthcare Academy, will host a graduation ceremony for the Class of 2026 Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program on Thursday, May 14 at 1:00 p.m. on the first floor of the Singing River Healthcare Academy.
Through the CTE program, participating students earned certifications in phlebotomy, certified nursing assistant (CNA), and medical assistant fields, providing them with essential skills to enter the workforce.
“For over 20 years, our partnership with Singing River Health System has given our students real-world access to healthcare careers, and we’re proud of how far the program has come,” said Dr. Derek Read, Director of CTE & Workforce Development. “Since launching the Certified Nurse Assistant program seven years ago, we’ve expanded to include Medical Assisting and Phlebotomy, all while maintaining a 100% pass rate. We opened the CNA program to Jackson County School District Students last year with the same results. This success is a testament to the dedication of our students, instructors, and healthcare partners.”
Notable graduates include Donna Aguirre, Lindsey Alcantara, Natalie Beasley, Jinelix Bermudez, Javontae Blakney, Kaitlyn Comeaux, Jordyn Creer, Daryelis DeLeon, Isabella Eiland, Ann Maree Fagan, Angelique Garcia, April Guerrero, Tafari Little, Dayrellis Lopez, Kendal Mayfield, Zahria McCoy, Evelyn Mendoza, Mileena Miranda, Ke’Asjah Moore, Aidan Nguyen, Morgan Pace, Janiyah Polk, Taylor Polk, Miyanna Roberts, Abril Saldivar, Yeimi Santos, Jasmine Sewell, Ticques Thomas, Gracie Tillman, Faye Umbrello, Andrea Valdovinos, Ava Warrick, and Moriah Watson.
Program educators include Jenne King MSN, RN, health and science instructor with the Pascagoula-Gautier School District, and Singing River Healthcare Academy nurse educators Richr’D Moore, RN, BSN, and Carmen Potts, RN.
Established in 2021 as Mississippi’s first medical apprenticeship program, Singing River Healthcare Academy offers various apprenticeship programs and certifications in healthcare fields such as nursing, phlebotomy, pharmaceuticals, and more. The academy’s partnership with the Pascagoula-Gautier School District allows high school students to pursue these certifications at no cost, contributing to the development of a skilled healthcare workforce.
“Singing River Healthcare Academy represents our dedication to developing future healthcare talent from within our own community,” said Jessica Lewis, Chief Human Resources Officer at Singing River Health System. “We are proud to help individuals grow their skills and create meaningful, long-term careers in healthcare.”