100 High Street Buffalo, NY 14203

AMHERST, N.Y. (Wednesday, June 2, 2004) - Graduation ceremonies were held today for 12 local students who completed the Kaleida Health/Erie 1 BOCES year-long "Connections Program."

Held at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital and administered by BOCES, the Connections Program is an intensive enrichment course for high school seniors who are interested in pursuing an education and career in health care.

"The program is a new approach to education," said MaryAnn George, M.Ed., MS and coordinator for Connections. "We integrate academic study with clinical experience to maximize the student's learning experience. It is a great opportunity to ensure that a career in health care is right for them."

Graduates of the 2004 program include: Kimberly Buchner (Clarence High School), Allyson Castellani (Clarence), Barbara Jedrzejek (Clarence), Corey Levin (Williamsville North), Heather Link (Williamsville South), Hari Nair (Williamsville North), William Rutenber (Clarence), Christina Sherry (Clarence), Derick Stalker (Clarence), Brittney Thornton (Clarence), Angela Trybuskiewicz (Alden), Kailey Zobel (Akron).

Approximately 85 percent of graduates have, or are, pursuing a career as physicians (the highest percentage), physician assistants, pharmacists, nurses, nurse practitioners, speech pathologists, physical therapists and clinical dieticians.

"I have had every opportunity to see every aspect of the hospital thanks to the various mentors," said Clarence High's Kimberly Buchner. "Due to their guidance, time, and teachings, I have a step ahead of the crowd. That allows me to know I've got a shot at being something great. I will carry this enlightening experience with me for the rest of my life."

The program's commencement reception was held in Millard Fillmore Hospital's Conference Room with family, friends, school officials, hospital administration and staff present to congratulate and support graduates.

Limited to only 15 high school seniors per year, Connections is a four credit program which courses include English; Social Studies: Participation in Government/Economics; Anatomy/Physiology; and Health Core Internships.

Clinical experiences include student/mentor rotations (on a one-on-one basis) throughout the year in the Kaleida Health system.

All departments are utilized for the teaching/learning process. One-half of the time is spent in the classroom, the other half in clinical rotations. So, one day students can be in the Emergency Department, the next witnessing total knee replacement surgery.

The eight-year-old program has graduated 115 students. The program has become so successful that a second site has been added at the Veterans Administration Hospital for the schools in central and southern Erie County.

Kaleida Health is the largest health care provider in Western New York. More than one million patients are seen annually at Buffalo General Hospital, DeGraff Memorial Hospital, Millard Fillmore Gates Hospital, Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, The Women and Children's Hospital of Buffalo and numerous community health care centers. The system includes long-term care facilities, as well as visiting nurse, behavioral health and home care services.