Extending care beyond the classroom

Cristo Rey Orlando High School Groundbreaking

"Train up a child in the way they should go, and when they are old, they will not depart from it.” — Proverbs 22:6

That scripture is in full practice at Cristo Rey Orlando High School, where students are supported not only in the classroom, but also in their career aspirations and overall well-being. On Feb. 24, students, families and community partners came together to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Burke Pavilion and AdventHealth Clinic. Operated by TrueHealth, this innovative on-campus wellness center will provide medical care, dental services and mental health support for families in a trusted, familiar environment.

For students, having care available in a place they already feel safe helps normalize conversations around wellness.

“Not making it a taboo subject — like, ‘Oh, I can’t speak about how I feel’ — makes it easier to talk about how you feel and how it impacts your day-to-day life,” said Alexandra Maurice, a Cristo Rey student.

Equipped with a laundromat, showers and medical providers, the center allows us to care for youths beyond the traditional school day — helping to remove health-related barriers that can impact attendance, performance and long-term success. This onsite clinic is also open to community residents after hours.

Johana Santiago Puckering, principal of Cristo Rey Orlando, emphasized the impact on attendance and achievement.

“Having these resources available here on campus will reduce the amount of absences our students will have, therefore allowing them to be more successful academically,” she said.

AdventHealth’s partnership with Cristo Rey Orlando High School reflects a shared commitment in creating pathways to opportunity for Central Florida students. Over the years, that partnership has grown — rooted in the belief that when community organizations with aligned missions collaborate, students will benefit in meaningful and lasting ways.

“We believe that our mission to care for the community should extend beyond the walls of the hospital, and Cristo Rey Orlando High School is a beautiful extension of that mission. With the onsite clinic right here on campus, students and their families can access high-quality care in a way that truly makes a difference,” said Teresa Mairn, executive director of partnerships and innovation for AdventHealth and a Cristo Rey board member.

Each year, 125 incoming freshmen begin a college-preparatory journey designed to develop the whole person — academically, professionally and personally. One of the most visible examples is Cristo Rey’s corporate work study program. Through this unique model, students gain real-world, professional experience while earning funds that help offset the cost of their education.

In 2025, the school hosted its inaugural “Draft Day” event marking a defining moment as students were matched with companies and organizations across the region, including AdventHealth. Being immersed into these professional environments helps students build their confidence, strengthen their workplace skills and introduces them to careers in health care and beyond — supporting both their academic journeys and a future filled with possibility.

We are honored for this opportunity to extend care beyond the hospital walls and connect with the heart of our community — building trust, opening doors and living out our faith through action.