FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 24, 2024
Celebrating Daniel Hale Williams: A Day of Inspiration and Mentorship for Gary Students
(Gary, IND) – In tribute to the late, great African-American surgeon Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, the team at Gary Community School Corporation’s Daniel Hale Williams Elementary School orchestrated a creative birthday celebration. The event included participation by the members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., who engaged in reading sessions with scholars.
One of the special guests included Dr. Michael McGee, an alumnus of Daniel Hale Williams, the current Chief and Medical Director for the Emergency Medicine Departments at Methodist Hospitals and a member of Kappa Alpha Psi. McGee not only shared his personal journey but also emphasized how his educational path profoundly shaped his successful career in medicine.
As the students gathered, they found themselves captivated and deeply inspired by McGee‘s narrative. His journey from a student at Williams Elementary School to becoming a successful surgeon resonated with the young minds present.
“This an event I am sure our students won’t soon forget,” said Williams Principal Linda Golston. “The program offered multiple components of community engagement while emphasizing the power of giving back, volunteerism and mentorship.”
Adding an interactive element to the celebration, a group of students seized the opportunity to interview Dr. McGee for their podcast titled “Moment in STEM.” Clad in their white STEM/doctor coats, the student ambassadors created a symbolic moment while representing their commitment to STEM education.
Another facet of the event included volunteers engaging students by reading culturally-focused books centered around STEM themes.
One insightful student interviewer, Kay’lee Meux, posed the following question. “If you had one superpower, what would it be?”
McGee‘s response revealed not only his dedication to medicine but also his profound concern for the community.
“I would stop all the violence against youth,” he declared.
McGee‘s commitment extends beyond his role as Chief of Medicine; he is also the founder of an organization called Project Outreach and Prevent (POP) on Teen Violence, an organization dedicated to addressing youth violence.
By the conclusion of the day’s activities, it was clear that McGee‘s story, coupled with the engaging reading sessions and thought-provoking interviews, left an indelible mark on the students.
In an ongoing commitment to literacy and community service, the school is extending an invitation to members of all Divine 9 Greek organizations to participate as volunteer readers on any Friday in the month of February. Interested individuals can complete the registration form online at garycsc.k12.in.us/roar-for-reading.
For future events and volunteer opportunities, visit garyschools.org.
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Photo Captions:
Dr. McGee and Principal Golston with students
Cleo Naylor reading to students
Student podcast – Skyler Montgomery and Kay’lee Meux
