Every year, a symposium called the North Carolina Society for Respiratory Care (NCSRC) is held in Winston-Salem. Students from all over the state compete in a “Tournament of Scholars,” with the first round being help on Sept. 21.
The competition had over 25 contestants, three of which were Southwestern’s Respiratory Therapy students: Amber Brown of Franklin, Adrian Aguilera of Cherokee and Kiyah Collins of Bryson City.
All three made it to the next round, which was held the following day.
“I could not be more proud of our students,” said Respiratory Therapy Program Director, Gretchen Guelcher. “They excelled in the competition.”
By the end of the day, Brown was named the winner, with Aguilera and Collins close behind in third and fourth place respectively.
“This year’s symposium was full of information, amazing professionals and knowlegeable students who had a blast at the competition,” said Brown. “This program and my future as a respiratory therapist mean everything to me. I am so proud to have won first place, not only for myself and SCC, but also for my son who has cystic fibrosis.”
Brown credits Guelcher and other instructors for this achievement, hoping the win shows how hard her instructors work for their students.
Guelcher added: “Amber is a dedicated student who has a passion for respiratory care, and it shows. Her enthusiasm and commitment to excellence has truly set her apart.”
To learn more about the Respiratory Therapy program, contact Guelcher at g_guelcher@SouthwesternCC.edu or 828.339.4472.
