Maimonides Recognizes 15 Summer Youth Program Participants for Their Hard Work

Maimonides Medical Center held its Summer Youth Program Recognition Ceremony on Wednesday, Aug. 8. celebrating members of various youth programs for their dedication and diligence, with the catchphrase “You are the Highlight of our Success.”

“The Summer Youth Program gives young people the opportunity to gain important skills and work ethic, as well as invaluable work experience that they can use in their future careers,” Alla Zats, director of volunteer and student services at Maimonides told this paper.

The ceremony took place in the hospital’s Schreiber Auditorium, 4802 10th Avenue, with opening remarks by Douglas Jablon, executive vice president, special assistant to the president.

Kenneth Gibbs, president and CEO at Maimonides, served as host and welcomed guests to the ceremony.

Gibbs voiced his pride in the accomplishments of the summer interns being honored and thanked them for the energy and enthusiasm they brought to the workplace.

“Your participation has helped us to continue delivering excellent care to our patients and their loved ones,” Gibbs said. “We wish you the very best as you move on to new and exciting challenges in the future.”

The keynote speaker was former Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, and the guest speaker was Nicole Blaine, former Brooklyn Summer H.E.A.T. intern at Maimonides.

Salutations were delivered by Rossmery Dais, director of programs for child care funds and vice president of the Child Care Corporation; Daphne Montanez, assistant commissioner, NYC Department of Youth and Community Development; and Shakira O’Kane, director, Student Internship Management Services.

Markowitz addressed the importance of health care professionals and how valuable their services are to all of us. “No matter how healthy we try to remain, we all get sick as we age and we rely on these health care professionals,” Markowitz said.

He also praised the interns for their commitment and hard work. “Never give up and never get discouraged, no matter how tough things may get,” Markowitz added. “And always keep believing in yourselves.”

Maimonides’ youth mentoring program has over 325 participants in various programs. Youth recognition awards were presented to 15 of those deserving individuals.