White coat ceremony celebrates LCPS Health Academy Students

Briar Woods and Tuscarora High Schools celebrated the start of the 2025-2026 school year Health and Medical Sciences academies with a white coat ceremony on Aug. 18. The event, held at Tuscarora High School, honored the coating of 134 students.

“We are living in a time when healthcare is changing faster than we can imagine,” said LCPS superintendent Dr. Aaron Spence. “These changes are exciting—but they also require professionals who are adaptable, lifelong learners, and are committed to improving people’s health and lives. That’s why this program matters so much, and we are grateful to our community partners who are helping to open pathways to careers in these fields for our students.”

Funding partners include the Claude Moore Charitable Foundation, the Loudoun Education Foundation, and Inova Health System.

The white coat ceremony marks the beginning of a significant journey for students entering the four-year HAMSci program, which is designed to prepare them for future careers in health care. The presentation of white coats serves as a visual symbol of students’ readiness to meet the rigorous requirements of the program.

It also signifies their commitment to demonstrating proficiency in health literacy—understanding and using information and services to make informed health-related decisions for themselves and others. This milestone paves the way for further postsecondary education or professional roles in the healthcare field.
 
“Claude Moore is pleased that so many young people are taking on this challenging but rewarding program that can lead to a meaningful career in healthcare,” said Dr. William H. Hazel, CEO of Claude Moore Opportunities.

“This white coating ceremony is a wonderful way to mark the beginning of their journey, and an important reminder of the supportive network these students can lean on throughout their time in the program. We are grateful to partner with Loudon County Public Schools to provide this opportunity for career exploration, training, and education,” said Hazel.

HAMSci connects students’ interests with workforce needs. The academy is a unique program designed to prepare students for careers in the rapidly evolving fields of health and medical sciences. Its goal is to provide health science literacy, develop critical thinking skills, and offer opportunities for students to be well-prepared for in-demand healthcare careers, with the possibility of earning industry credentials.