This article was originally published by Cobb County Schools April 18, 2025.
The historic and unique $2 million partnership between the Cobb Innovation and Technology Academy (CITA) and Wellstar Health System has flourished with twelve new employees for the healthcare company. A signing day celebrating the dozen students as trailblazers in a bold new initiative was held at CITA earlier this week. The soon-to-be Cobb graduates will quickly transition to being Wellstar employees in June and begin working directly in the healthcare industry.
"They're not just getting a high school diploma, they're getting industry certifications along with it," said Wellstar Director of Talent Acquisition Tuqwan Jordan. "We make sure that they are employed, that they are employable, and that they have the necessary skills. We want them to continue to develop in their education and reach their career goals. We are extremely proud of them."
"If you choose us, we choose you right back," agreed Evelyn Rosenthal, Wellstar assistant vice president of leader and employee development. "If you believe that you can reach the stars, Wellstar will bring the ladder to help you climb and get up there. We're going to support you and make Wellstar a career destination, meaning you start today and just stay with us until you retire."
Rosenthal stressed that this support went all the way to the top at Wellstar, including retiring President and CEO Candice L. Saunders. It is most fitting that the inaugural class of interns—now employees—enter the company as Saunders is exiting. She was behind the CITA partnership from day one, being a role model herself of what's possible at Wellstar. Saunders was a former nurse who worked her way up through leadership positions to become CEO in 2015.
Some students signed job offers for Wellstar Cobb Medical Center, while others signed with Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center. Some are pursuing nursing, some physical therapy, some emergency and triage, but all will benefit from Wellstar's decades of experience as a proven healthcare leader.
"The exposure to the industry that comes from this partnership is second to none," said CITA Director Dr. Tiffany Barney. "Wellstar has been a phenomenal partner for us. These students were so well-prepared that Wellstar said they felt comfortable hiring them on the spot after their interviews. That's a testament to our outstanding healthcare pathway teaching team at CITA.
"That endorsement of the CITA staff didn't stop with Dr. Barney. Joe Muturi, one of the students heading to Wellstar Cobb in June, also praised the technology academy and his experience there."
If I could scream at the top of the tallest mountain that you should join CITA, I would. I've gotten so many opportunities here as well as a bunch of certifications. Because of CITA and Wellstar, I am prepared to be the healthcare professional I always wanted to be!" Joe said with a smile.
Joe's classmate, Maritza Pacheco, will be heading to Wellstar Kennestone after graduation and was equally enthusiastic. "These weren't just experiences for a resume. They were moments that transformed how I see myself and my future," she said thoughtfully.
"One of the most stirring moments in my journey was using my bilingual abilities to translate for patients," Maritza continued. "That moment of connection when fear melts into understanding in a patient's eyes is a feeling I carry in my heart every day. This journey has given me something priceless: the certainty that I belong here."
Other Wellstar patients were equally impressed with the CITA students. Health Science teacher Sheri Drake described a few of the comments she received from both mentors and patients. "They said, 'Your students are so professional. Your students have the ability to communicate better than any other students we've seen. Your students have so much compassion and empathy for our patients." Drake revealed that some patients even went so far as to send thank-you notes to the school for the students' professional demeanor and attitude.
"This past year has been an amazing partnership, and I am so proud of each and every one of them," she concluded with emotion and joy in her voice about the inaugural class of Wellstar signees.
Congratulations to the following CITA students for signing with Wellstar Health System: Jossie Aguilar, Anahi Blanco, Christian Crane, Jose Guevara, Eden Iyare, Momodou Jallow, Monika Meneses, Joe Muturi, Ximena Paniagua, Aaliyah Reeves, Maritza Rojas and Jacqueline Vazquez.
