First Cohort of Youth Education for Advancing in Health (YEAH) Graduates
Helping advance future health care leaders
May 1, 2025 marked a significant milestone for the Youth Education for Advancing in Health (YEAH) program with the graduation of the first cohort, who successfully completed a transformative four-year journey. The event was a testament to the hard work, dedication and growth of the students, who demonstrated remarkable resilience and commitment throughout their high school years.
The graduation ceremony, emceed by Ann-Marie Knight, MHA, FACHE, vice president of community engagement at UF Health Jacksonville, was held with great enthusiasm and pride. The event featured keynote speakers Kerin Da Cruz, MSN, RN, NE-BC, FACHE, senior vice president and chief nursing officer at UF Health Jacksonville, and Paul Davis, Ed.S., principal of Darnell-Cookman School of the Medical Arts, who shared inspiring words and congratulated the graduates on their achievements.
The ceremony also included special guests Linda Edwards, MD, dean of the UF College of Medicine – Jacksonville; Adrianna Davis, PhD, medical department chair, lead teacher and YEAH advisor at Darnell-Cookman School of the Medical Arts; and representatives from Miller Electric Company and THE PLAYERS Championship Red Coats Community Grant, who fund the YEAH program at UF Health Jacksonville.
Before the ceremony, the students participated in a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) drill, facilitated by Jennifer Silvey, disaster manager at UF Health Jacksonville. This drill involved around 30 staff members from UF Health Jacksonville, who collaborated in a realistic disaster scenario to provide the students with hands-on experience in an emergency response. The drill was an invaluable learning opportunity, preparing our graduates for real-world challenges in the health and emergency sectors.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our generous donors. A special thanks to Miller Electric Company, a steadfast supporter since the program's inception in 2021. Their unwavering commitment has provided resources and opportunities for our students to thrive. And thank you to THE PLAYERS Championship Red Coats Community Grant for their significant contributions and support in 2024-2025. Without the support of our donors, this program would not be possible.
Additionally, we would like to thank the faculty and staff of UF Health Jacksonville, UF College of Medicine – Jacksonville, University of Florida and Darnell-Cookman School of the Medical Arts for their dedication and effort in mentoring and guiding our students. Their commitment has been crucial in shaping the future leaders of the health and emergency fields.
We are proud to announce the colleges our graduates will be attending:
- University of Florida
- University of Central Florida
- Florida A&M University
- Florida State College at Jacksonville
- University of North Florida
- Davidson College
- Emory University
- Rutgers University
- University of South Florida
As we celebrate the achievements of our first cohort, we look forward to continuing our mission of empowering youth and fostering a new generation of skilled and compassionate health care professionals. Congratulations to all our graduates, and thank you to everyone who has been a part of this incredible journey.
Patrick L. Green, FACHE
Senior Vice President and Northeast Florida Regional President
UF Health
Ann-Marie Knight, MHA, FACHE
Vice President of Community Engagement
UF Health Jacksonville