Pictured, from left, front row, Peggy Ewing, KCH graphics and marketing specialist; Aundreya Wegener, Wawasee; Ashley Vazquez, Wawasee; Kirstyn Yoder, Tippecanoe Valley High School; Haley Hooley, Triton High School; Caitlyn Inhnen, Triton High School. Back row, Eric Lane, Fellowship Missions director; Michael Hammer, Wawasee; Zach Leedy, Wawasee; Quintin Allen, Tippecanoe Valley High School; Jeffrey Rockett, Parkview Hospital Warsaw.

WARSAW — The Kosciusko County Youth Leadership Academy welcomed area healthcare industry leaders during its December meeting held at Fellowship Missions, Warsaw. The event focused on orthopedic and health care industries throughout the county and gave students the opportunity to learn more about career pathways in these booming fields. 

The event began with a presentation from Brad Bishop, OrthoWorx executive director. Bishop shared with KYLA students the numerous ways OrthoWorx gives back to the community, such as partnerships with local industry, academic and community leaders to deepen community connections; talent development initiatives through local schools; and talent attraction. 

Bishop’s presentation was followed by Jason Zaugg, director of professional outreach at Kosciusko Community Hospital, who shared with students not only the various ways KCH impacts the community, but the current employment needs and trends in the health service industry as a whole. Zaugg shared with students the many benefits of working in health service and the impact KCH has had on promoting healthy lifestyles throughout the county through partnerships with local schools and organizations. He also explained the current rising demand for nurses and other hospital staff as a large percentage of the population is approaching their senior years or having children. 

The event was concluded with a presentation from Jeff Rockett, vice president of outpatient services at Parkview Hospital, Warsaw. Rockett explained to students the process and unique challenges of opening a new hospital in Warsaw. He also discussed the benefits of competition and providing choices by having two hospitals in the area. Rockett explained Parkview’s current outpatient hospital model, and shared information on plans for growth in the near future. Like Zaugg, Rockett noted a dire need for nurses and hospital staff in all fields. 

Following the conclusion of the presentations, students were invited to help raise Christmas cheer for the homeless shelter by assisting in the assembly and decoration of Christmas trees as well as assisting in cleaning up the kitchen and eating areas. Students enjoyed being able to give back to the shelter as thanks for hosting the December event. Special thanks to Eric Lane of Fellowship Missions for hosting and Bishop, Zaugg and Rockett for presenting to the KYLA students. 

For more information on KYLA or to learn how to get involved, visit the KYLA website at http://www.kosciuskoyouthleadership.org/ or on Facebook at @kosciuskoyouthleadership.