Benjamin Carson High School of Science and Medicine held their 5th annual White Coat Ceremony On November 30, 2016. This ceremony was held at Spain Elementary/Middle School to celebrate the sophomores.
The White Coat Ceremony has been held yearly ever since Benjamin Carson first opened in 2011.
“The White Coat Ceremony is inspired by the ceremony that they have at medical school,” said Kristen Maher, Dean of Instruction.
Medical schools traditionally conduct a white coat ceremony to celebrate a rite of passage and welcome students to the medical profession. It symbolizes authority and professionalism.
This year’s white coat ceremony at Benjamin Carson opened with the hosts Sharron Reed-Davis and Robert Williams III, two Benjamin Carson High School seniors. Next came Benjamin Carson High School’s NJROTC Color Guard presenting the nation's colors, led by Petty Officer Williams and Petty Officer Justice, NJROTC instructors.
Then the National Anthem was performed by Ben Carson senior V’Necia Dupree. This was followed by a warm welcome by Principal Charles Todd who gave words of encouragement for the sophomores. Throughout the duration of the program there were many guest speakers, including Dr. Norris Polk who is the Associate Medical Officer and Pediatrics Division Chief for the Detroit Community Health Connection.
The White Coat Ceremony at Benjamin Carson High School is the first step for students’ careers in the medical field. After the students received their white coats they were led in the Pledge of Professionalism by senior class president Nyah Kidd.
“My hope is that the ceremony makes the students mature a little more, makes them more serious about their studies, and makes them think about their futures and what they want to pursue,” said Maher.
“I honestly liked it. The ceremony felt so long, but at the end it was all worth it. I loved the inspiring speeches and I felt like an actual doctor…. Dr. Ruma here!” said Ruma Tahar, sophomore, about her experience at the white coat ceremony.
“It was pretty good,” said Mustafizur Rahman, sophomore. “I didn’t plan on going at first, but I’m glad I did. It felt special to be a part of the white coat ceremony. It made me feel professional.”
Sophomore Zahra Cham said, “When I received my white coat, I felt like I was official and I’m headed to being a doctor.”
