Whitney Motz, a 16-year-old Little Miami junior, will concentrate her high school career at Greentree Academy so she can become a nurse. She was “excited” to start classes after touring the new facility.
“I like helping people and I’d like to do something that’s going to make a difference,” said the Morrow girl about why she chose nursing.
Her parents, Kelly and Patrick Motz, were equally excited.
“We want to come back to school now,” Kelly Motz said.
Whitney Motz is one of approximately 100 high school juniors and seniors and 300 adult students at the Warren County Career Center, and 269 Miami University students attending Greentree Health Science Academy — a 31,585-square-foot facility on 4.39 acres on the Atrium Medical Center campus.
The facility is part of a five-partner private-public project who include the city of Middletown, Atrium Medical Center, Miami University, Warren County Career Center, Warren County and Cincinnati State Technical & Community College.
Middletown, along with the assistance of the Warren County Port Authority and the state, financed the project. After 20 years, the career center and Miami University will take possession of the building.
“It’s all about making life easier for our students,” said Miami Middletown spokeswoman Jan Toennisson. “I think a young person while in high school could see the future. Their aspirations could be inspired.”
Greentree Academy will provide students the opportunity to learn health science in their high school years — potentially on their way to a bachelor of science degree, thanks to the partnership with Miami and Cincinnati State.
And building blocks can be established at the campus, said Maggie Hess, Warren County Career Center superintendent, potentially attending high school, Cincinnati State and Miami University at one location.
“I’m not sure there’s anything like this in the country,” Hess said of a campus where students can attend high school, Cincinnati State and Miami at one location.
About the Author
