Padua Franciscan’s MedTrack® Honored for Curriculum Innovation

PARMA, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Padua Franciscan High School’s unique MedTrack program was named a 2013 recipient of the Innovations in Catholic Education award by Today’s Catholic Teacher magazine. MedTrack is a four-year advanced science and math program which prepares students in the Franciscan tradition for healthcare careers.

“Our students are gaining hands-on experience that will help them choose their path with better knowledge of the benefits and challenges of each healthcare profession.”

Padua joins 11 other Catholic schools nationwide that will receive this award in April. Now in its 16^th year, the annual award recognizes innovative projects in six categories: restructuring and merging Catholic schools, marketing your Catholic school, promoting Catholic identity, curriculum and instruction, projects facilitated by technology, and community involvement.

Padua’s MedTrack program, now in its fourth year, was honored for curriculum and instruction. “I am so proud of all the hard work that has gone into this program which strengthens Padua’s fifty-year tradition of academic excellence,” said Principal David Stec.

Guided by an Advisory Board of healthcare professionals, MedTrack provides a unique combination of spirituality, rigorous academics, and career exploration. “MedTrack has expanded my horizons both spiritually and scientifically,” said senior Nick Mog, a member of MedTrack’s first graduating class who aspires to a career in sports medicine. “I am learning so much about what healthcare means from a Franciscan perspective, plus I love the camaraderie my classmates and I have developed through our shared experiences. The extra effort required to graduate from the program has been totally worth it,” he said. Currently, 100 students are enrolled the MedTrack program.

“We are excited with how this program has been embraced by students, parents, and the broader healthcare community,” said MedTrack Director Laurie Keco Grabowski. “Our students are gaining hands-on experience that will help them choose their path with better knowledge of the benefits and challenges of each healthcare profession.”

For more information about MedTrack, go to www.PaduaFranciscan.com/Medtrack or contact Laurie Grabowski at [e-mail].