BRANFORD HALL CAREER INSTITUTE is proud to nominate SARAYA PATTERSON, from Springfield, for an Outstanding Student Achievement Award. Saraya is a single mother in her early twenties who came to Branford Hall for training in the Professional Medical Assisting Program shortly after the death of her four-month-old son to meningitis as well as caring for her mother during her terminal illness until she died. She is a very hard working woman who worked full-time nights and weekends to support herself and her young daughter while attending school full-time days. Saraya won the hearts not only of her classmates who rallied to her side to help keep her in school when times were hard, but also the staff and administrators at the school. As result of her resolve, she not only received an award for her high Grade Point Average (GPA) but also excelled on her externship, where she was hired before she finished her 180 hours. Saraya often shared the tragedies of her life experiences with her class, not to receive sympathy, but to help the class understand the thoughts and feelings of the patient or family members in severe medical circumstances. She is an excellent medical assistant and all who meet her will gain from the experience. Saraya is such an inspiration to everyone that we believe she will achieve great things in her life.