St. Paul’s Catholic School - Riverside and Ascension St. Vincent’s launch Operation H.E.R.O. - The Resident Community News Group, Inc.

St. Paul’s Catholic School – Riverside and Ascension St. Vincent’s launch Operation H.E.R.O.

Posted on December 4, 2022 By Editor Junior Residents

Fifth-grade students learned how to use the stethoscope under the supervision of Ascension doctors.

St. Paul’s Catholic School – Riverside has joined forces with Ascension St. Vincent’s Hospital to conduct Operation H.E.R.O.: Health, Education, Resources and Opportunities in a “community partnership that brings high-quality academics, healthcare and mentoring to middle school students…”

“Doctors will share their backgrounds, real-world knowledge and experience with students through demonstrations, lectures, labs and field trips,” said St. Paul’s Principal Kim Repper in a press release announcing the partnership.

Operation H.E.R.O. consists of bi-weekly classes held either in the classroom or Ascension’s auditorium and Family Medicine Residency program labs. These classes will complement the students’ curriculum and provide real-life applications to learning objectives.

Participants of the planning meeting held before the program commenced at St. Paul’s, namely, (from left) Kelsey Rapps, St. Paul’s science teacher and program liaison; Kim Repper, St. Paul’s principal; Dr. Christopher Watson, St. Vincent’s Family Medicine Residency Program core faculty member; Dr. Jacqueline Escalante, St. Vincent’s Family Medicine Residency Program resident; and Dr. David McInnes, St. Vincent’s Family Medicine Residency Program director.

While the partnership will inspire and educate young minds, Repper added it will also strengthen community ties.

“By joining together, our school is enriched by the knowledge and experience Ascension employees will share. And in return, Ascension can strengthen staff engagement and create an increased presence among students, staff, parents, and the local Riverside community,” she said in the press release.