PD Moore has always been driven. Whether it is excelling on the basketball court with her fellow Tri-Valley Lady Dawgs, running a half-marathon during the COVID pandemic, or accumulating college credits prior to even graduating high school, PD knows what she wants and then goes after it.
Growing up in Zanesville, PD applied that drive to her academics and attended Mid-East Career and Technology Center during her junior and senior years of high school to participate in the Exercise Science & Sports Medicine Program. Although she ultimately realized that is not what she wanted to pursue long-term, PD took full advantage of Ohio’s College Credit Plus and earned college credits from Hocking College, Zane State College, and Central Ohio Technical College while concurrently completing her high school requirements.
Having no interest in moving away after graduating, PD was weighing her options of attending COTC or Zane State. Still unsure of a career path she might pursue but equipped with an interest in the medical field, PD attended Licking Memorial Health System’s Camp Med, a two-day intensive camp for high school seniors interested in a career in the healthcare industry. PD participated in a comprehensive overview of the medical field and was drawn to ultrasound technology.
That experience helped seal her decision to attend Central Ohio Technical College, which offers the Bachelor of Applied Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography Technology. The BAS in DMS is an accelerated, three-year program to which PD plans to begin in fall 2025, after taking prerequisite coursework this upcoming year.
“I am very much a hands-on learner,” PD shared. “I walked through the ultrasound tech program at COTC, and seeing what they do…it is hands-on all of the time. I love that.”
For this driven young woman with a particular career in mind, she is ready for the focused training this program provides to prepare her for the workforce. Upon completion of her degree, PD has interest in starting her career locally with Licking Memorial Health Systems.
With such strong ties to her local community, PD is very grateful to be receiving The Englefield Family Scholarship and The Park National Bank and Associates' Scholarship honoring William T. and Jane Cook McConnell to help pay for her schooling. Both of these scholarships are held at the Newark Campus Development Fund and were established by Licking County-based companies that are long-time supporters of the Newark campus.
“It is motivation for me personally,” PD said, “as I have not been a straight-A student. But, it shows what I have done is good. It is a relief knowing that.”
PD's journey is just beginning. With the support of her community and a clear vision for her future, PD is poised to make a significant impact in the medical field. As she embarks on this new chapter at COTC, her local roots will indeed grow deeper, nurturing not only her personal ambitions but also the health and well-being of her community.
