The Shadow
LOW MOOR, Va. (VR) — Since consolidation, Alleghany Highlands Public Schools (AHPS) has continued to expand opportunities for students to explore diverse career pathways, including the growing Alleghany Highlands Advancement (AHA): Healthcare program.
Joowon Chung, a rising senior at Alleghany High School, exemplifies how AHPS students are embracing these expanded opportunities. Chung is an active member of AHA: Healthcare and is committed to pursuing a future in medicine and health sciences.
In addition to her involvement with AHA, Chung attends the Jackson River Governor’s School at Mountain Gateway Community College and serves on the Virginia Department of Health Youth Advisory Board. She is also a member of the Alleghany High School cross-country team and recently founded a student organization dedicated to supporting medically fragile children in the community, further demonstrating her dedication to healthcare and community service.
This summer, Chung continued to expand her knowledge and passion for the medical field by attending the Summer Residential Governor’s School (SRGS) for Medicine and Health Sciences in Roanoke. This competitive program, a partnership between Radford University and the Blue Ridge Partnership for Health Sciences Careers, offers high school students the opportunity to study medicine and health sciences in depth.
AHPS is an active participant in the Blue Ridge Partnership for Health Sciences Careers, which connects local school divisions, colleges, and healthcare providers to help students learn about and prepare for careers in the medical field.
A key partner in this effort is Carilion Clinic in Roanoke, which provides students with hands-on learning experiences, hospital visits, and opportunities to learn directly from healthcare professionals.
LewisGale is also an important partner in the Blue Ridge Partnership for Health Science Careers. Collin McLaughlin, CEO of LewisGale, serves on the partnership’s board of directors. His leadership helps guide programs that connect classroom learning with hands-on experiences in medical settings. By working together, partners like LewisGale, Carilion Clinic, and Radford University are helping students take the first steps toward careers in medicine, nursing, and other health-related fields.
At the Summer Residential Governor’s School, students like Chung explore the connection between scientific research and patient care through hands-on activities, problem-solving exercises, and real-world medical scenarios that develop critical thinking and practical skills. The program is designed for students with a strong interest in science and healthcare who wish to engage in advanced learning during the summer.
Chung shared about her experiences, stating, “This was one of the best opportunities I have ever been a part of and one I will never forget. This three-week program gave me new insight on where I would like to be in the future. I met so many phenomenal mentors and made life-long friends. These experiences made me realize that medicine is what I want to pursue and mental health is what I want to study.”
“I had so much fun learning about all the different medical professions while creating our own solution project on public health issues. The twenty of us have already planned our next reunion and how to meet up again. It was amazing to be able to go and represent Alleghany County. I would like to thank everyone who has helped me with the application and registration process, and especially a great thank you to Ms. [Ginni] Phillips, who suggested this program.”
AHPS was established in July 2022 through the merger of Alleghany County Public Schools, Covington City Public Schools, and Jackson River Technical Center. Funded by Alleghany County and the City of Covington, the division combines local resources to provide expanded opportunities for all students.
Originally launched with state grant funding, AHA continues to grow through combined local support. In addition to AHA: Healthcare, the program now includes AHA: Law and Political Science, which allows students to explore career paths in law, politics, and public service. Phillips serves as the coordinator of AHPS’ AHA programs.
Beyond her academic and healthcare-related pursuits, Chung actively develops her leadership skills through additional service activities. As a sophomore, she represented Alleghany High School at the 2024 Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) Seminar in Harrisonburg, which helps students build leadership skills and apply them to make a positive impact in their schools and communities.
She is also a dedicated member of the AHS Beta Club and Key Club International. The Beta Club recognizes students for academic excellence and leadership, encouraging them to give back through service. Likewise, Key Club International, affiliated with Kiwanis International, is a student-led organization that promotes leadership development through community service and volunteer work.
Chung’s dedication to school and service go hand in hand with her motivation and determination to succeed.
“Joowon has an impeccable work ethic and a clear vision of her future goals. She holds herself to a high standard, and I have no doubt that she will achieve in her chosen path,” said Heather Terrell, AHS academic advisor.
For the latest news and updates, follow Alleghany Highlands Public Schools on Facebook at @AHPublicSchools and on Instagram at @ahpublicschools. Events, announcements, and important information are shared regularly. To learn more, visit the division website at www.ahps.k12.va.us.
