Warren County Public Schools recently celebrated the achievements of local students who participated in the Summer Residential Governor's School, a program designed to provide high school juniors and seniors with immersive educational experiences. Among those recognized was Sadie Comstock, a senior at Skyline High School, who shared her transformative experience at the Medicine and Health Sciences program.

During the three-week program held at the Roanoke campus, Sadie and her peers engaged in a variety of activities, including hands-on clinical experiences and lectures from medical professionals. Sadie highlighted her unique opportunity to observe and scrub in on two heart surgeries at Roanoke Memorial Hospital, an experience typically reserved for medical students.

The program, which received sponsorship from the school district, accepted only 20 students out of approximately 250 applicants. Sadie emphasized the value of the small group setting, which fostered strong connections among participants who shared similar aspirations in the medical field. The curriculum included visits to various medical facilities, including Virginia Tech's Biomedical Engineering building, where students learned about innovative medical technologies.

In addition to academic enrichment, the program also focused on community engagement. Students volunteered at the Bradley Free Clinic, where they interacted with individuals facing addiction challenges, providing them with a deeper understanding of public health issues. Sadie noted that these experiences were eye-opening and underscored the importance of empathy in healthcare.

The program culminated in a capstone project addressing complex public health problems, allowing students to apply their learning in a collaborative environment. Participants also had the chance to be interviewed by PBS, showcasing their work and insights gained during the program.

Sadie's experience not only solidified her interest in pursuing a career in surgery but also provided her with guaranteed admission and scholarship opportunities at Radford University. The recognition of students like Sadie highlights the commitment of Warren County Public Schools to foster academic excellence and prepare students for future success in their chosen fields.