Eastern Center For Arts & Tech. Honors Allied Health Student During Black History Month

WILLOW GROVE, PA — The Eastern Center for Arts and Technology in Willow Grove is honoring an allied health student at its campus during Black History Month.

Nicolette Attarian-Kimber, a Hatboro-Horsham High School senior who attends Eastern's allied health program, was this week's student spotlight at the school that offers specialized career training programs for students in eastern Montgomery County.

Attarian-Kimber, who one days hopes to study nursing and enter the healthcare profession, was recently named first-place winner for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Multi-Agency Black History Committee's poetry contest, according to Eastern.

Her family, which has Jamaican roots, is a big source of inspiration for her, with Attarian-Kimber crediting her mother for being her "biggest supporter."

"No matter how hard her day is, she always makes sure I am ok first," Attarian-Kimber said in a statement. "I would not be where I am today without her unwavering support and guidance."

Attarian-Kimber was also very close with her father, who sadly passed away nearly three years ago, according to Eastern.

Even though her parents were no longer together at the time of her father's passing, Attarian-Kimber says that all three retained a close bond.

Attarian-Kimber is quite proud of her Jamaican roots and has even spent a good amount of time visiting the island country.

"Nicolette feels as though her Jamaican roots are strong, and she and her family celebrate it every day from the food they cook, to their beliefs and attitudes," Eastern wrote in a news release.

Attarian-Kimber says she enjoys being rooted in both of her cultures.

"Because I am American, we celebrate Thanksgiving," she stated. "That is not a holiday that my Jamaican family members celebrate."

As for her schooling, Attarian-Kimber credits her allied health teacher at Eastern, Allison Latzo, with offering up an environment where students can feel comfortable being themselves without fear of judgment.

Attarian-Kimber, whose family includes many medical professionals — one cousin is a brain surgeon while an aunt works as a nurse — says she has always felt a calling to the healthcare field.

Her ultimate goal is to secure employment as a pediatric nurse.

After she graduates from high school, Attarian-Kimber plans to attend Delaware State University to pursue her nursing degree.