Twenty-Three Alpha Beta Kappa Students Honored Today at Ultimate Medical Academy Clearwater Campus Spring Pinning Ceremony

CLEARWATER, Fla., April 13, 2018 — The Clearwater Campus of Ultimate Medical Academy, the nonprofit school that prepares adult students for careers in healthcare, today recognized 23 students as the institution’s newest Alpha Beta Kappa (ABK) National Honor Society members. The students participated in a pinning ceremony at the campus at 1255 Cleveland Street in Clearwater, Florida.

The Clearwater ABK students were honored before an audience of friends, family, UMA faculty including program directors and staff and Advisory Board member Kelly Shaw, Certified Medical Assistant at a renowned private practice in Pinellas County. They are enrolled in diploma and associate degree programs to prepare for careers as dental assistants with expanded functions (Jasmine Bradley, Shyanne Poole, Brandy Ramirez-Garcia, Elizabeth Rodriquez, Maegan Williams, and Sri Zialcita) medical assistants (Sarah Bell, Kara Cooper, Jasmine Harris, Tracy LeFever, Jessica McVey, Kaylyn Morris, Jessica Pipkin, Allyssa Popen, Kylie Remlinger, Alicia Russell, and Kristie Warner), and patient care technicians (Reina Bell, Carissa Davis, Heather Malinowski, Beatriz Sanchez, Carla Santiago, and Castina Wolak).

“Our Alpha Beta Kappa pinning ceremonies are one of our favorite events each year, as we recognize the academic achievements of our students who work diligently to succeed in their coursework to prepare for careers in healthcare,” UMA Campus Director Dr. Rebecca Sarlo said. “The Alpha Beta Kappa pinning ceremony recognizes and celebrates their outstanding accomplishments and demonstrates UMA’s value to Champion Student Outcomes.”

ABK honors students who achieve a 3.85 GPA and complete 20 or more credit hours. Inductees receive lifetime membership, a pin, honor cord, ABK Gold Key, and a certificate. UMA hosts the Clearwater pinning ceremony each spring and fall.

ABK is the “premier national honor society” for America’s private postsecondary schools, institutes, colleges and universities. The purpose of the Society is to encourage and recognize superior student academic achievement, character, and leadership.  The qualifications of membership are: excellence in classroom, shop, studio, and laboratory work; leadership and service in class and school activities; and personal integrity and good moral character.

UMA was granted a charter of the ABK in 2014. The charter still marks an important milestone in the school’s efforts to expand student organizations and activities outside the classroom in a manner consistent with its mission to equip and empower students to excel in healthcare careers. UMA students who are enrolled at the institution’s Clearwater and Online campuses can become ABK members if they meet the eligibility requirements.