KHS student selected to join National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine

A Kagman High School sophomore was selected to join the National Youth Leadership Forum to be held in the U.S. mainland next summer.

Jace Pineda, the daughter of Elmer and Tess Pineda, was personally selected by the national organization because of her academic excellence, leadership potential, and interest in a career in medicine. Pineda dreams of becoming a pediatrician.

The National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine introduces outstanding high school students to the world of medicine. This program familiarizes students with the various professions available in the medical field. With close cooperation from the nation’s most prestigious and technologically advanced hospitals, research facilities, and medical schools, students attending the forum on medicine are challenged and motivated as they focus on a broad range of topics, including educational requirements, career options, clinical practice and complex ethical and legal issues facing the medical profession today.

Pineda graduated as the most outstanding student in her class during her middle school year in 2010 and has been a consistent honor student since her elementary days.

The 15-year-old student said Monday she is proud and excited to receive the good news from the dean of academic affairs, Dr. Marguerite C. Regan.

“I am happy and proud that I was invited to this prestigious forum where I expect to learn valuable lessons that will help me in my desire to become a pediatrician in the future,” said Pineda.

In her letter to Pineda dated Nov. 10, Dr. Regan said the NYLF on Medicine “is dedicated to helping prepare you—perhaps one of our nation’s future physicians or leaders in the field of medicine—for the opportunities and responsibilities which lie ahead.”

According to Regan, the forum’s intensive daylong concentrations will allow Pineda to examine state-of-the-art diagnostic tools and future medical specialties in detail. She said the student will also be inspired and motivated in the forum as the nation’s most distinguished medical leaders and research pioneers will be among the keynote speakers. Participants in the forum will also visit various medical institutions.

By attending the forum, Pineda may also receive college credit through George Mason University.

Pineda expects to gain valuable lessons and experiences from experts during the 10-day event. She said her school and family will organize fundraisers for her airfare and other expenses during the forum. Among these is the hot-lunch fundraiser on Dec. 10. Pineda estimates the cost of her travel and other expenses to amount to $5,000.