SE Valley Times

Gilbert Public Schools Superintendent Shane McCord celebrated and recognized several members of Campo Verde High School's biomedical program for continuous efforts in their field and recent accomplishments during a meeting May 16. 

According to the district's official website, Campo Verde is its only school that offers a biomedical program, a four-year program that "prepares individuals to apply scientific principles and technical skills in support of biologists and biotechnologists in research, industrial and government settings," the district says. 

The program has five focused courses, which include biomedical sciences, human body systems and medical interventions, as well as an innovations class and an internship.

McCord welcomed teacher and program director Clarissa Monreal, as well as high school senior and program member Zaria Ayoola. Fellow biomedical program teacher Kara Krauser was unable to attend the meeting.

In 2023, Campo Verde's biomedical program was one of the reasons it was named a distinguished high school by Project Lead the Way, an organization dedicated to raising awareness and providing opportunities for career skills, growth and connections in lower education. 

Each year, Project Lead the Way honors schools with programs that allow students to explore their skills and interests, while also gaining knowledge, applicable skills, and experience to help them obtain a future career or job in the workforce.

“[Campo Verde] is one of 262 high schools across the United States to receive this honor for providing broad access to transformative learning experiences for students through computer science, engineering, and biomedical pathways," McCord said during the meeting. 

"Project Lead The Way Biomedical Science introduces high school students to medicine and a wide array of biomedical science careers," he added. "This is an excellent program, and it's run by phenomenal people who care. That is why they're being recognized tonight. That is exactly what we want out of all of our educators here in Gilbert Public Schools: to provide great things for [our students]. So thank you so much for being a part of the Project Lead the Way.”