The Wayne County Commissioners, Thursday, congratulated Nicole Matthey, a junior at Wallenpaupack Area High School, for her interest in pursuing a health care career. She was given the Student Health Care Hero Award for her contribution as a health care volunteer.
This award was designated on behalf of the Pocono Counties Workforce Investment Area during “Pa. Health Careers Week,” November 19-14. The mission of the Pocono Counties Workforce Investment Board, which takes in Wayne, Pike, Monroe and Carbon counties, is to integrate work force and economic development to assist existing companies and attract new ones to the area.
Nicole is the daughter of Jim and Irene Matthey of Hawley. She told the Commissioners she wants to be a physical therapist. This is her third year she has been studying under Mrs. Karen Beilman in Wallenpaupack’s Allied Health Program. Nicole has volunteers the past two years with the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, and she is a member and secretary of Wallenpaupack’s Volunteer Club.
An R.N., Mrs. Beilman said that she teaches an entry level program, and in their junior and senior years, students are taken Wayne Memorial Hospital and Bethany Village Assisted Living Center to observe health care in action. “It’s a great opportunity for kids,” she said.
The student said Mrs. Beilman has been a good influence in her career decisions. Commissioner Wendell Kay remarked that her teacher has been a good role model, and in turn, Nicole is being a good role model for other students. Chairman Brian Smith commented that heath careers is a very rewarding profession, knowing each day you have opportunity to help someone.
Commissioner Tony Herzog noted that they have been very supportive of job shadowing efforts where students learn about career choices. ‘We’re really proud of you,” he said.