NBA Player, Pediatrician Named PWHS Distinguished Graduates

Pediatrician Renee Turchi and National Basketball Association (NBA) player John Salmons may not find the opportunity to share the stage very often, but as fellow Plymouth Whitemarsh High School (PWHS) graduates, they were honored by the administration, faculty and student body on Friday as members of the PWHS Distinguished Graduates Organization.

Salmons, a 1998 graduate, helped to lead the Colonials to win the PIAA Championship in 1997, and leading the University of Miami to the NCAA Tournament, and eventually being drafted to play for the San Antonio Spurs in 2002.

Salmons has also played professional basketball for the 76ers, Sacramento Kings and Chicago Bulls over his 11 years in the NBA. Off-season, though, he can be found practicing in Colonial School District gyms, where he learned to perfect his skills as a teen player.

“Making it to the NBA was all I ever wanted to do,” Salmons said to an auditorium full of students, guests, and his family.  “God gave me the height, and the desire to go out there and work hard.”

Click here to see Salmons' induction video.

Turchi, a pediatrician at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia, is involved with the hospital’s Neonatal Continuing Care Clinic, and The Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs.

Turchi has been awarded a number of honors, including a State Champion Award from the Maternal and Child Health Bureau, a Nation’s Best Doctor Award, and a Best Research Award by the Annual Physical Therapy Association Conference.

“We all have a responsibility to address the needs of our children,” said Turchi, who added that students wishing to make a difference only need to take a trip 10 minutes away into Philadelphia, where there are many in need of help.

Click here to see Turchi's induction video.

PWHS principal Jason Bacani told students at the assembly that many role models are brought before them over the school year, but it is unique to hear from individuals who “walked the same halls you have walked.”

The PWHS Distinguished Graduates Organization was developed in 1985 to recognize graduates who excel in the areas of academics, arts, athletics, business, humanities and public service, and serve as role models for undergraduate students.