Western Wayne High School students — Aiden Burry, Cameron Press, Aiden VanOrden, Madelyn McClure, Abigail Bell, Raegan Fox, Alicia Wertman, Audrey Agnello, and Jade Wetherington — recently attended a World Polio Day event held at Geisinger Medical Center, sponsored by the Scranton Rotary Club.
The event brought together community members, students, and medical professionals to raise awareness about the global fight against polio and the importance of vaccination and education in eradicating infectious diseases.
Attendees heard from a variety of guest speakers, including a polio survivor, who shared a powerful firsthand account of living with the lasting effects of the disease. A medical student preparing for a missionary trip discussed the challenges of providing medical care in developing countries, while an individual from a third-world nation offered perspective on how limited access to healthcare affects entire communities. In addition, medical doctors from the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine shared their expertise and experiences teaching future healthcare professionals about global health initiatives.
Following the presentations, Western Wayne students participated in a reflective session where they applied their new knowledge to answer thought-provoking questions, including:
“How does infectious disease impact the life of an individual, their family, and their community?”
Their discussions emphasized not only the physical and emotional toll of disease but also the importance of compassion, prevention, and global cooperation in building healthier communities.
The event served as both an educational opportunity and an inspiring reminder of how young people can contribute to creating a healthier, more informed world.
Left side, front to back: Audrey Agnello, Alicia Wertman, Jade Wetherington, Raegan Fox, and Madelyn McClure.
Right side, front to back: Abigail Bell, Aiden Burry, Aiden VanOrden, and Cameron Press.
