Southwestern Community College’s second-year Respiratory Therapy students recently competed – and won first place - at the state Sputum Bowl competition at the North Carolina Society for Respiratory Care symposium in Asheville.
“I am incredibly proud of our students for their remarkable achievement,” said Gretchen Guelcher, SCC’s Respiratory Therapy Program Director. “The victory is a testament to their hard work, passion and commitment to the respiratory care profession.”
The win came just a day before Hurricane Helene struck the region, which affected several students as they faced personal losses and damages.
“During the hard times after the storm, we still had the memories to carry us through. Knowing that we won and will be going to Orlando was a bright spot in what was a dark few weeks,” student Sandi Jenkins added.
The students will be heading to Orlando in November for the national competition at the American Association for Respiratory Care Congress. This will be the first time in several years that the students have been invited to compete at this level.
A GoFundMe has been created to raise funds for the trip, and donations can be made at https://gofund.me/2f9e7b21.
For more information about the program, contact Guelcher at g_guelcher@SouthwesternCC.edu or 828.339.4472.
