Moving Forward

The Magnet Academy of Biomedical Sciences at Opelousas High School has received national certification for the Project Lead the Way program.
Project Lead the Way is a nonprofit organization that helps provide alternative curricula and training for students and teachers. Its biomedical sciences program helps prepare them for careers in medical and health-related fields.
The Magnet Academy of Biomedical Sciences is one of two magnet schools in St. Landry Parish. In addition to providing regular high school studies, the magnet academies tailor their academic coursework toward particular career paths.
The Magnet Academy for Cultural Arts has also received national recognition, based on student performance on state tests and how well they are prepared for college.
The biomedical academy is one of several programs in the parish pointed toward medical 

and biomedical education. Louisiana State University at Eunice has received a federal grant for a dual enrollment heath care academy in St. Landry for high school students interested in science, medical or allied careers. That program will allow high school students to take college course work.
Also, the St. Landry Economic Development board recently voted to support a request from, the South Louisiana Community College for funding to expand the school’s nursing program at the T. H. Harris campus in Opelousas.
The T. H. Harris campus is also part of a program with the J.S. Clark Leadership Academy in Opelousas to take college courses while working toward a high school degree.
The Project Lead the Way program provides teachers with professional development training that gives them the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

The national recognition is given to schools that demonstrate a commitment to the program’s high national standards.
“We’ve seen how PLTW inspires students to think critically and solve problems,” OHS facilitator Sondra Cormier said. “We are extremely proud to be PLTW certified.”
As part of the recognition process, OHS principal Dr. Rodney Johnson and a team of teachers, staff, students and members of the community submitted a self-assessment of the school’s biomedical science program.
This was followed by a site visit from a Project Lead the Way team that met with teachers, school administrators, counselors, students and members of the school’s advisory council, which is made up of teachers, counselors, administrators, business and industry professionals, and community members.
Project Lead the Way president and CEO Vince Bertram congratulated the school on its 

national recognition and said he looks forward “to continuing to work together to prepare students to thrive in our evolving world.”
Project Lead the Way began in 1997 as a high school engineering program and now offers programs in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science in more than 8,000 elementary, middle, and high schools across the United States.
“Positive signs like this recognition are important in St. Landry Parish,” according to Bill Rodier, economic development director, who also serves on the Biomedical Academy Advisory Board. Economic, government, and education leaders have set improving our educational system as one of our top priorities. Providing top-ranked educational opportunities is key to providing a good life for the people of the parish today and a better life in the future.”