Four Marist High School seniors successfully completed their journey to becoming certified Emergency Medical Technicians, thanks to a groundbreaking partnership between Marist and the Chicago Ambulance Alliance.
Ellie Fey, 18, of Chicago; Timothy Graber, 18, of Chicago; Ronnie Shalabi, 17, of Chicago; and Christine Stephenson, 18, of Frankfort, graduated from the program in February and are now prepared to enter the emergency medical field.
“This program gave our students an invaluable, hands-on experience that has set them on a promising path toward careers in medicine and emergency services,” said Joy Lewis, Dean of Student Success. “We are incredibly proud of their dedication and excited to see how they apply these skills in their futures.”
The initiative marked the first collaboration between Marist High School and the Chicago Ambulance Alliance. The partnership began in September of last year when a Marist board member affiliated with Chicago Ambulance Alliance introduced the opportunity. Representatives from the alliance provided an informational session at Marist and hosted an Open House at their location. The four Marist students registered for the next class, which started in October.
The fall program met three times a week, balancing rigorous coursework with hands-on training. The instruction covered emergency and non-emergency care for trauma, medical, and behavioral patients.
Additionally, each student completed 48 hours of ride-along experience in ambulances, working alongside certified personnel in real-life emergency situations.
Marist senior, Ellie Fey, who was named valedictorian of the program, described the experience as both demanding and rewarding.
“The EMT course was challenging, but an incredible experience,” Fey said. “The knowledge I gained about anatomy, physiology, and emergency medicine will certainly help me in the medical field. The instructors were very understanding and offered help every step of the way.”
Other students echoed similar reactions about the impact of the program.
“What I liked most about the EMT class was the life-saving skills that I will carry with me wherever I go and how hands-on the class was,” said Marist senior Ronnie Shalabi. “As for my career goals, I wish to go into the medical field and become an ophthalmologist surgeon.”
“I loved every moment of the Trace EMT class,” said Marist senior Timothy Graber. “It truly gave my senior year meaning and was paramount in my college applications. Although it’s hard to pick, my favorite part of the class was when we covered cardiac emergencies and the pathophysiology of the heart. This section of the class was easily the most interesting, in my opinion. The class also served as an introduction to my future, as I aspire to one day practice medicine. I recommend this class to anyone who is even remotely interested.”
After graduating from high school in May, the students will become eligible to take the national certification exam administered by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians. Upon passing, they will be offered immediate employment through Chicago Ambulance Alliance.
Encouraged by the program’s success, Marist High School announced that beginning in the 2025-26 school year, the EMT course would be integrated into the senior curriculum. Taught by a Marist instructor in partnership with Chicago Ambulance Alliance, the course would span the entire academic year, allowing students to take the certification exam upon completion.
With this opportunity, Lewis said Marist students are continuing to make a difference in their communities, bringing life-saving skills to those who need them most.