BETHALTO - Future healthcare workers at Civic Memorial High School were celebrated with a special signing ceremony.
Get The Latest News!
Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox.
On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 16 senior students at Civic Memorial were recognized as they committed to careers in healthcare. Teacher Angie Parish, who oversees the immersive Medical Careers classes at CM, expressed her pride in the students and the growing program.
“This is why we put in the work that we do,” Parish said. “It’s why I do the sleepless nights, the long hours. Just to watch this kind of stuff and see their families be a part of it is so cool. I can’t wait to see where it goes.”
Parish spent four years conceptualizing and creating the Medical Careers I and II classes at CM. In these classes, she teaches basic healthcare skills and gives students the opportunity to explore different career fields. Students are prepared to become CNA-certified by the time they complete Medical Careers II.
Through partnerships with local hospitals, students can even shadow healthcare workers. They get hands-on experience working in the healthcare setting before they graduate high school.
Bethalto Community Unit School District #8 Superintendent Dr. Jill Griffin shared her appreciation for Parish and the opportunities she has provided to students. Griffin noted that the program would not be possible without Parish’s commitment to these kids and the future of healthcare.
“Ms. Parish has done a fantastic job with this program. She grew it from a foundation level,” Griffin said. “You’re looking at future nurses, future pharmacists. They’ve had so much hands-on experience before they ever go out into the field. I’m really proud of Angie. I’m really proud of the kids.”
Parish, administrators like Griffin and Principal Justin Newell, and the students’ families were eager to congratulate the students on their hard work. As students prepared to commit to their healthcare careers, Parish addressed them directly.
“You have developed the compassion, empathy, integrity and heart that truly defines exceptional healthcare professionals. Those qualities cannot be taught from a textbook,” she said. “I am so proud of the way you have followed your dreams and stepped boldly into the future…You are the future caregivers, advocates and leaders. The paths you are choosing are paths of service, and I have no doubt that each of you will make a profound impact on the lives of those you encounter.”
More like this:
