Six Monsignor Edward Pace High School seniors became a part of the school’s history by graduating as the first class of Pace’s Academy of Health Sciences in conjunction with Barry University’s EMT Academy program at a ceremony in Pace’s Innovation Center on May 19.
In front of their families, friends, and students from the Academy of Health Sciences, Mitchy Leandre, Danielle Dalge, Juanesha Serra, Carina Jatib, Michelle Montoya, and Sabrina Cabrera were the first group to graduate from Pace’s EMT Academy class, and also from Barry University’s specialized EMT Program.
Kevin LaGrange, lead teacher for the Academy of Health Sciences and a Pace alumnus, was the main presenter for the ceremony. As the girls were also Barry University students, LaGrange was supported by Dr. Terri Hernandez, Barry University’s Assistant Dean in Career Education; Jason Smith, EMS Program Director; and Jorge Nunez, the girls’ EMT Academy teacher. All four reminisced on the journey the six girls had taken and on the unique place in history the six will have.
"Your face[s] will be attached to this program for infinity," said Smith.
With this graduation, the six girls can sit for the National Registry of EMT exam to earn their EMT certification and continue in the medical field. Sabrina Cabrera in particular will be moving directly into Barry University’s Emergency Responder program this fall.
In addition to their certificates of completion, the seniors received specialized EMT pins from LaGrange and high-quality Littmann stethoscopes from Barry University. After taking the podium themselves and thanking their families and everyone who has supported them, the six girls turned the tables by gifting pictures frames and hand-crafted thank you cards to LaGrange, Nunez, and Smith.
To conclude the ceremony, the six became the first group to take part in a new tradition: LaGrange allowed them to shave his head in front of everyone in attendance. After they recovered from the surprise, the six took turns shaving his head as friends and families gathered around to record the moment. LaGrange says he plans to have his hair regrown in time for the 17 juniors who will take the EMT course as seniors next school year.