Tavares High School student, Sheanna Darmalingum, was nominated as a delegate to the Congress of Future Medical Leaders. The congress will convene in Lower, Massachusetts on June 25-27, 2018.
The Congress is an honors-only program for high school students who want to become physicians or go into medical research. The purpose of the Congress is to honor, inspire, motivate, and direct the top students.
Sheanna Darmalingum was nominated to represent Tavares High School based on her academic achievement, leadership, and determination to serve in the field of medicine.
During the three-day congress, Sheanna Darmalingum will join other students from across the country. They will meet and hear Nobel Laureates and National Medal of Science Winners. Ivy League and top medical school deans will advise students on what to expect in medical school and how to prepare for college. Students will also learn about cutting-edge medical advances and the future of medicine and medical technology.
“This is a crucial time in America when we need more doctors and medical scientists,” said Richard Rossi, Executive Director of the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists. “Focused, bright and determined students like Sheanna Darmalingum are our future, and she deserves all the mentoring and guidance we can give her.”
The Academy provided a scholarship for tuition to attend the Congress. The expense of travel, room, and board is expensive. Sheanna’s family did not know how they would be able to afford the cost. A family friend suggested they contact United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties.
“When I learned about Sheanna’s opportunity to attend this Congress, I knew right away she had to go,” said Dr. Alan Holden, President and CEO of United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties. “We need bright, talented students like Sheanna in the medical field.”
United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties awarded Sheanna a $1000 scholarship. Sheanna and her mother, Sonia McKay, will fly to Boston in June to represent Tavares High School and Lake County, Florida.