Emory's
Department of Medicine Adopts and Gives to Local High School This
Holiday Season
Emory University's
Department of Medicine plans to give, teach and learn a lot this holiday
season. The Department scaled back its annual faculty party this year
so it could give money and holiday spirit to Clarkston High School in
DeKalb County. A holiday celebration will take place this Thursday,
Dec. 13, at 7 p.m. at Clarkston High School. A reception will get underway
at 6 p.m.
"Each December, we look forward
to adopting a school in hopes our modest gift will help enhance programs
and missions of that particular school,"says Wayne Alexander, M.D.,
Ph.D., professor and chairman of Emory's Department of Medicine. "This
is our first year to partner with a high school and the diversity of
Clarkston High's student body and its dynamic reputation really piqued
our interest."
Clarkston High School is
made up of students from 54 countries. Those students speak some 47
different languages. "Despite their multi-cultural backgrounds, students
put aside their differences and live and learn in a peaceful environment
at Clarkston," says Neil Shulman, M.D., associate professor of medicine,
Emory University School of Medicine and event coordinator. "We feel
we can really learn a great amount from this outstanding group of students.
Whether Jewish, Christian, Hindu or Muslim, these kids all get along
in their school. So why can't the rest of the world? We hope they can
help us better understand the need for tolerance and acceptance in our
society."
A portion of the money Emory
will give to Clarkston High will fund an evening holiday party, complete
with refreshments and entertainment. A portion of the money will help
finance a documentary detailing the school's diversity. Clips of the
documentary will be aired at this Thursday's program, along with band,
choral and individual performances.
The majority of the donation
will go towards the building of an outdoor classroom and other enhancement
projects at the school. School officials say they are clearing space
for the classroom now and expect construction to get underway in the
spring of 2002. The new outdoor classroom is projected to hold 65 to
70 students and will be used by a number of different teachers and students.
And Emory is throwing in
an added bonus for students considering a future career as a doctor,
nurse or researcher. During Thursday's reception, foreign-born medical
students and residents from Emory University's School of Medicine will
spend time talking with and teaching Clarkston High students about the
field of medicine.
"Since students attending
Clarkston are literally from all over the world, we thought giving them
a night to visit with these young doctors, who are also from various
backgrounds, might provide examples of how much hard work and dedication
pays off," Dr. Alexander points out. "We hope the Clarkston High students
will see these young doctors as role models. We also want these students
to know that Emory is very welcoming to people of any origin."
Dr. Shulman hopes other Emory
University departments will adopt schools during the holidays in the
future. "It's an excellent way to show we're committed to our surrounding
community and it's a great way to help our citizens grow and develop."
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