MORRISTOWN, NJ, June 21, 2021
Pari Desai, a senior at Morris County School of Technology (MCST), was honored by the Women's Association for Morristown Medical Center (WAMMC) with the Ruth Award for her more than 163 hours of service over a 19-month period. MCST recognized this award at its virtual honors ceremony on June 8. Following graduation from MCST, Desai will be attending Drexel University for the next four years with a major in Biological Sciences.
The Ruth Award is presented annually to a senior high school student who is an active Morristown Medical Center (MMC) volunteer and completes more than 50 hours and six months of consecutive service. Senior high school students who volunteer at MMC may choose to complete an award application, along with an essay, for consideration. One winner is selected each year by the WAMMC Hospital Liaison Committee.
In her essay, Desai stated, "For the past four years, I have been in the Healthcare Sciences Academy at Morris County School of Technology, and being able to obtain hands-on experience with patients has contributed tremendously to my academic and career goals." She further shared that her involvement with MMC this early in her academic career has only encouraged her wish to enter the medical field. "The ability to learn about inner workings of a hospital in a classroom setting is wonderful on its own; however, having the opportunity to see for myself how the different employees and career paths come together to promote success in healthcare was enlightening," she said.
The Ruth Award, which is a one-time award of $500 to offset the cost of college tuition, is designed to recognize outstanding service to Morristown Medical Center for dependability, loyalty and unselfish service to others. This award was created in honor of Ruth Epstein, a devoted WAMMC member and President from 1967-1970. Epstein was dedicated to helping others and exemplified the volunteer spirit.