December 17, 2013
Valen Diaz graduated from Masuk High School and comes from Oxford, CT. She has been selected for participation in the Combined Program in Medicine and is a Psychology major. Valen is a certified EMT and has gained great experience volunteering for various emergency medical services in her community.
James Alvarez, from Colchester, CT, is a Kinesiology major. He graduated from Bacon Academy where he distinguished himself academically and as a leader in school and community service organizations, particularly Bacon Academy’s Peer Advocate League.
Viviane Trinh, from Stamford, CT, is in the Combined Program in Dentistry with a double major in Biological Sciences and Anthropology. She is planning to become a general dentist, orthodontist, or an oral surgeon. She is also passionate about ballet.
Luke Monteagudo is in the Combined Program in Medicine and is majoring in Biological Sciences. He was born in Cape Town, South Africa and moved with his family to Connecticut when he was five. In addition to his scholastic achievements, Luke has a Black Belt in Karate and holds the rank of Eagle Scout.
Anita Jones is an Allied Health major from Bridgeport, CT. She plans to attend medical school. She placed first in the Health Occupations Students of America state competition. She also plays clarinet for the University of Connecticut Marching Band.
Philip Gorecki is in the Combined Program in Medicine majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology. He was born in Poland and grew up in New Britain, CT. He is interested in the field of orthopedic surgery.
Sean Ghassem-Zadeh, from Shelton, CT, is a Combined Dental Program student majoring in Biological Sciences. In high school, he was editor of the school newspaper, president of the Student Council, and captain of the varsity tennis team.
Shaylice Bragg, from New Haven, CT, is in the Combined Medical/Dental program. She is a graduate of Hill Regional Career High School and is interested in becoming a Pediatric Orthodontist.
Rishi Kothari attended Enfield High School, where he was the valedictorian of his class. He is a member of the Combined Program in Medicine and recently studied abroad in Singapore.
Shawnet Jones attended the Watkinson School. She is a member of the Combined Program in Medicine and recently studied abroad in the Dominican Republic, where she learned about their health care system and needs. Shawnet was a participant in the Health Professions Partnership Initiative programming.