On Thursday, May 15th, HMS CEO Dan Otero presented Animas High School Graduate Haley Elias with the 2025 HMS Healthcare Scholarship for $500. Dr. Otero also presented Certificates to additional Animas High School Graduates, Haley Elias, Berenise Garcia,  Makayla Harrington, Angel Pintor, and Journey Sheehan, 2025 graduates, for their successful completion and participation in the HMS Student Healthcare Internship. Each of the employed interns participated in a variety of healthcare education within nursing, dental services, family support, finance, operations, and healthcare governance. The successful internship program partnership between the Animas Schools and HMS is in its second year of providing students interested in healthcare the opportunity to gain real-life experience as they pursue their continued education in their profession of choice. “We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to support our local students in their pursuit of their chosen career path post high-school graduation,” stated Dr. Otero.

According to Mr. Jeff Gephart, Animas Schools Superintendent, "Students gained valuable experience in the career field they are pursuing in our early college high school program while earning a paycheck and possibly high school credit. The partnership with Hidalgo Medical Services is helping us transform public education in rural New Mexico by blending high school, college, and career. This partnership will serve as a model for more opportunities for our students in the future. We thank Dr. Otero and the staff at HMS for their support of our students and this program."

One student, Ms. Haley Elias, extended her gratitude by saying, “I want to extend my sincere thanks to Hidalgo Medical Services for providing me and other students with the incredible opportunity to intern and gain first-hand experience in rural medical systems. This had a profound impact in my motivation to pursue a medical career. Everyone was so welcoming, and I’m truly grateful to have met such dedicated and hardworking individuals. I’m also honored to have been awarded the HMS Scholarship. Thank you for your support. I am proud to represent HMS and my community as I continue my educational journey.”

HMS is a Federally Qualified Health Center Grantee under 42 USC 245b and a deemed Public Health employee under 42 USC 233 (g)-(n). Visit HMS at http://hms-nm.org or call 575-800-1HMS (1467).