Pemberton Township Schools has had a unique
connection with neighboring Deborah Heart and Lung Center for nearly two decades,
resulting in an enriching relationship that benefits both organizations. Located
in close proximity to three Pemberton elementary schools, Deborah is not just a
neighbor, but a partner, supporter, collaborator and even mentor—to students
and staff alike.
Deborah was established in Browns Mills in the
1920s, and over the years has grown into an internationally recognized Center
of Medical Excellence. Renowned as a leader in cardiac and pulmonary medicine,
patients travel from near and far for treatment at the region’s only specialty
heart hospital. Given the esteemed reputation and notable scope of services of
such a premier medical facility, Pemberton Schools has been fortunate to
establish such a valuable and productive partnership.
Our formal affiliation began in 1998, when Deborah
and Pemberton collaborated to create the first Deborah Heart Challenge. Originally
featuring Pemberton students competing against each other with questions about
the cardiac and pulmonary systems, the novel contest has evolved into one of
the region’s most distinguished high school competitions.
Pemberton and Deborah employees begin meeting
months before the Challenge, planning each aspect of the event down to the last
detail. Deborah staff coordinates the medical questions, team organization, rules,
invitations and programs, while Pemberton staff and students begin the arduous
task of preparing to host such a significant event. On the last Sunday in
February, the Pemberton Township High School (PTHS) auditorium is transformed into a
modern game show set, replete with an elaborate tiered competition area on the
stage, electronic scoring and buzzing devices, and video question displays. What
began as a small science contest has grown and expanded to feature academic
teams and student artists from nine
area high schools. Highly respected physicians from Deborah serve as
questioners and judges, and a local television personality oversees the
production in the role of master of ceremonies.
Student talent and dedication is promoted by both
partners, with over 140 pieces of heart-themed art entered into a juried art
competition, and placed on display in the school lobby prior to the event. Art
winners from the nine schools are announced during pauses in the academic
competition, and after the competition, the winning art is transported to
Deborah for display in the hospital lobby. Pemberton culinary arts and bakery students
prepare and serve appetizers and desserts as visitors peruse the art
exhibition, and students from the participating schools perform musical
selections. The event is videotaped live by the Pemberton Schools television
production crew and then airs on local access channels, and is distributed as a
DVD to participating schools and parents. The event draws hundreds of
supporters each year, and is a showcase for the outstanding partnership between
Deborah and Pemberton Schools.
In addition to the annual Heart Challenge, the
strong alliance with Deborah has proven advantageous to students in the high
school Medical Arts Academy. Initiated in 2010, the PTHS Medical Arts Academy
was established to provide motivated students interested in health care careers
with a specialized, comprehensive education. With the cooperation and guidance
of Deborah representatives, the program is now in its 6th year, successfully
graduating students who go on to pursue medical degrees, nursing degrees,
allied health field degrees and athletic training certifications. Through
Deborah’s elite internship program, select students are given an inside look at
a hospital, working side by side with medical professionals at Deborah. These exclusive
experiences provide Pemberton students with the rare opportunity to witness medical
professionals on the job, as well as the behind the scenes work in the
laboratories, pharmacy, and even operating rooms. It is the epitome of a true
partnership, allowing students to connect classroom learning to real world
experiences.
This year the partnership with Deborah has grown
even stronger, as they joined forces with the school district and township to
co-sponsor the 10th Annual Community Day. This day-long event, held
on the school grounds, features educational and recreational activities for
Pemberton families, and this year with the addition of
Deborah staff, a health fair with free health screenings and speakers as well.
There are countless other events and collaborative
experiences as a result of this partnership, including a live video surgical
procedure that Deborah broadcasts to the Medical Arts Academy students, annual
tours of the hospital’s operating rooms and cardiac catheterization labs, and
Deborah scholarships provided to students going into the medical field. The
cordial relationship between employees fosters shared resources between staff
at both facilities, and Deborah even hosts Pemberton school nurses at a forum
every October, providing guest speakers on topics that relate to pediatric
healthcare and injuries.
Pemberton students, ever ambassadors in the
community, provide services for Deborah as well. From horticulture and carpentry
students providing gardening and beautification services on the hospital
grounds, to choral students providing music at Deborah special events, to
students serving as junior volunteers at the hospital, it is a beneficial ,
reciprocal relationship that truly defines the word “Partner.”
