Warner Pacific University Awards Top Nursing Student

When Sam Cravens first arrived as a MIKE mentor in Dave Mickola’s De La Salle North Catholic High School (DLSNC) Health class, it was evident that he took his role seriously. As a nursing student with Warner Pacific University (WPU), Sam looked to gain more experience working with teens. Although he brought prior training and skills in teaching and mentoring, MIKE offered him a chance to combine his skills to develop and share information about health to a young audience.

By the end of his mentoring assignment, Sam gained far more experience than he could have imagined—in his interactions with high school students, his fellow mentors and leadership skills that inspired everyone around him. Sam’s dedication and positive impact on others was part of the basis for earning Warner Pacific University’s Outstanding Leadership in Nursing Award, presented during the Spring Commencement Division Awards Ceremony this May. In addition to receiving recognition for his leadership, Sam and all nine other fellow WPU students who mentored with MIKE were commended for their academic achievements by being named on the Spring 2022 Dean’s List.

Sam and his fellow WPU students mentored with MIKE to encourage 9th graders at DLSNC to consider healthier behavioral and lifestyle changes. Students were surveyed to gain insight into what they were curious about, which health issues they found most compelling and how they preferred to learn. The mentors then proceeded to help develop content and presentations in response to the survey results, which included topics on healthy skin, physical fitness, stress and mental health, sleep, addictions, nutrition, body image, COVID-19, and other issues.

One student commented about Sam, “You're a very nice and encouraging mentor, even when some of the class did not want to engage with the activities. You came into my class and taught me stuff about health that I never knew before. I enjoyed learning with you guys and the snacks.”

Another shared, “We were kinda a tough group right before lunch, and sometimes it was hard to focus or engage in class, but I think it was a lot easier than some classes because our curriculum was based on things we actually said we wanted to learn about.”

Sam worked with fellow WPU nursing student and mentor, Immaculate Okoth, to develop and present lessons to equip youth with a better understanding of information sourcing and how to navigate between facts and distortions, then led development and a presentation on nutrition, focusing on foods that affect the brain. Each week, Sam encouraged students to voice their ideas and questions.

Reflecting on his time mentoring students at DLSNC, Sam shared, “It’s been a great experience to get to know some of the younger people in Portland.” He thanked them for “engaging, listening, interacting with all the mentors and offering up their experiences.” He said that he can’t wait to see what they will achieve.

Sam graduated with his fellow students this month, earning his bachelor’s degree in nursing. He accepted his honor at WPU’s ceremony in Portland on May 7, 2022.

Warner Pacific sets high standards just to be eligible for the student honors. They must successfully complete multiple levels of expectations including, academic performance, professional practice, community service, leadership, managing responsibilities, communications with fellow students and university faculty and staff, upholding outstanding character and exemplifying the Christian characteristics expected at WP. Click here to read about all the students who were honored this year at WPU.