Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE: 03/03/09

SUBJECT: 5 Good Hope Students Accepted to Temple University Physician Scientist Training Program

CONTACT: 170 Estate Whim Frederiksted, VI 00840 1-340-772-0022

Five Middle School students from The Good Hope School have been accepted into the prestigious Temple University School of Medicine Physician Scientist Training Program for summer 2009. Seventh grade students Senuah Benjamin, Denzel Clifton, Alex Lewit, and Selesha Subnaik along with 8th grade student Natasha Ceballos will spend six weeks in Philadelphia focusing on the classroom-based academia required of the program.

The Physician Scientist Training Program is a longitudinal program established in 1985 as a vehicle for increasing the number of underrepresented minorities in the biomedical arena. The goal is to create a cadre of physicians with the MD/PhD combined degrees. Selection of participants occurs at the 7th grade through 10th grade level and is made on the basis of demonstrated academic achievements (A- or better grades), high SSAT scores, motivation, maturity, perceived academic potential, and a stated commitment to complete the rigorous program activities each summer during the pre-college years.

Senuah, Denzel, Alex, Selesha, and Natasha are five of only 60 students throughout the United States and Territories accepted into this prestigious program for 2009. They will join the veteran participants in Philadelphia, PA for the start of the summer residential program, and their first two summers will be primarily engaged in a six-week classroom and research regimen at Temple University. Continuing with the program for the next several summers, the Good Hope students will have opportunities to study and work at other universities such as Drexel, Temple, and the University of Pennsylvania before moving into experiences with government agencies such as the National Institute of Health, United States pharmaceutical companies during their high school years. As college students, Senuah, Denzel, Alex, Selesha, and Natasha will participate in academic work with various schools of medicine in Canada as well as industry-based work in pharmaceutical companies overseas.

The five Middle School students join an elite corps of Good Hope students who have been selected over the years to participate in Temple University’s program. Including the current acceptance a total of 11 students have been awarded this opportunity. Acting Head of School, Raquel B. Cedano, is overwhelmed with joy by the current news from Temple University. “Our students continue to excel in some many avenues, and their acceptance into this program demonstrates the dedication of our faculty, the students (themselves), and their parents as we promote a learning environment in which each child has the opportunity to find success. We are so proud of Senuah, Denzel, Alex, Selesha, and Natasha, and we know that based on their academic achievement and strength of character that they will contribute tremendously to this program.”