MADISON – Students and faculty in the Medical Academy at James Clemens High School have earned bragging rights for four of their own.

These four students — Will Creech, Rachel Ruoss, Jaya Vadapalli and Sarah Vaughan – have succeeded in qualifying for early acceptance in their study of medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Troy University. They all are seniors.

UAB officials accepted these students from more than 400 applicants.

Creech received early acceptance into UAB Medical School. He was one of only 19 students selected into the prestigious program.

At James Clemens, Creech has been an active member of the future health professionals in HOSA. He has been enrolled in the Health Science Academy since he was a freshman.

This summer, Creech will compete at HOSA International Leadership Conference with his Creative Problem-Solving Team. Currently, he is dual-enrolled at Calhoun Community College pursuing EMT certification. Creech has been accepted into UAB Honors College and plans to major in kinesiology.

Ruoss has chosen nursing for a career and will study with early acceptance at Troy University. Ruoss was among only eight high school seniors selected for early acceptance.

As a sophomore, Ruoss enrolled in the Health Science Academy at James Clemens. She has actively participated in HOSA. Currently, Ruoss is enrolled in the health science internship course, along with introduction to pharmacy. She is preparing for two major exams: Certified Patient Care Technician and Pharmacy Technician. Rachel will major in nursing at Troy.

Vadapalli has interned at Madison Dental Care during the past few years, so she will be prepared for early acceptance to UAB Dental School. “Jaya was the only student selected into this prestigious program,” Ashley H. Steinert said. Steinert teaches health science at James Clemens and serves as co-advisor for HOSA and National Technical Honor Society.

Since her freshman year, Vadapalli has participated actively in HOSA, while enrolled in the Biomedical Science Academy. She has competed in the dental science category at HOSA State Leadership Conference, along with HOSA International Conference. She earned first and fourth place in the State Leadership Conference in 2021 and 2022. Vadapalli will major in neuroscience while studying in UAB Honors College.

Vaughan also achieved early acceptance into medical school at UAB. She was among 19 students selected from 400-plus candidates. As a freshman, Vaughan enrolled in the Health Science Academy at James Clemens.

For the past four years, Vaughan has participated as an active member of the cross-country team and women’s tennis. Vaughan and her teammates recently placed fourth in the state tennis tournament. She has been accepted into UAB Honors College and plans to major in neuroscience.

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