Cleveland County Schools honor 11 students for Atrium Health scholarship program

Cleveland County Schools celebrated a significant partnership with Atrium Health during the Board of Education meeting on June 9, 2025, highlighting the success of local students in health science programs. The meeting began with a pledge led by Reese Elliott from Burns High School, setting a tone of community pride and achievement.

Rhonda Benfield, a representative of the school district, recognized Atrium Health for its ongoing commitment to education through the RISE to Success program. This initiative, which began three years ago, has expanded to include 11 high school seniors this year who will receive tuition-free education at a community college while gaining employment with Atrium. This partnership not only supports students financially but also provides them with valuable work experience in the healthcare field.

In addition to the RISE to Success program, Atrium Health has introduced a summer internship program, allowing four students each summer to participate in a six-week paid internship. This year, a new job shadowing program called Hype will also be available, offering students professional development opportunities and a stipend upon completion.

Veronica Poole Adams, Vice President of Atrium Cleveland, was present to receive a certificate of appreciation for the partnership. The meeting concluded with the recognition of the 11 graduates participating in the RISE to Success program, including Christa Childers, Raven Dumlao, Rachel Reese Elliott, and Chloe Hull, among others.

This collaboration between Cleveland County Schools and Atrium Health not only fosters student achievement but also strengthens the community's workforce in the healthcare sector, paving the way for future opportunities and growth.