High School Students Tour Daytona International Speedway as Part of Tomorrow’s Leaders Program

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., December 17, 2019 – On Dec. 11, high school juniors in the FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools’ Tomorrow's Leaders training program toured the Daytona International Speedway to learn about motorsports.

The opportunity was made possible through AdventHealth’s partnership with Daytona International Speedway and is another example of how the healthcare system is providing value and learning opportunities to the Volusia County School district through their historic partnership.

“For many of the students in the Tomorrow’s Leaders program, this was the first time visiting the Daytona International Speedway. As someone who has built a career in the motorsports industry, it was very rewarding to be able to shed some light on the various job opportunities in sport,” said Anna Donaldson, director of sports marketing and strategic partnerships for AdventHealth operations in Volusia and Flagler counties. “From operations, including health care services, to sponsorship marketing, it truly takes a village to be able to execute such prestigious events as the DAYTONA 500. Our hope is that we were able to give the students a fresh perspective on sports marketing, and also pique their interest in a career in motorsports.”

The students toured the Speedway’s media deadline room which is used by local and national media outlets during various events and all press conferences are held. The tour then took the students to the Gatorade Victory Lane for a photo opportunity. The tour closed out with a stop at the Houston Lawing Press Box in the venue where national media outlets view and report on races.

“Daytona International Speedway is proud to participate in the Tomorrow’s Leaders Seminar. Our staff was privileged to share some time with these select Volusia County high school students and speak on a wide-range of topics,” said Chip Wile, Daytona International Speedway president. “The participants were able to learn what it takes to showcase world-class events at the venue and how it impacts the community that we live in.”

Derek Cowan, NASCAR senior director of partnership marketing, welcomed the group and Andrew Booth, Daytona International Speedway public relations director, explained the public relations responsibilities surrounding each event. Dale Howell, senior manager of industry operations, Andrew Swain, senior account executive of industry operations and Kaitlyn Holland, account executive of industry operations, provided insight on the NASCAR operational responsibilities during events.

The tour also included a visit to the AdventHealth Injector, a 20,000+ square-foot gate entrance that serves as an oasis within a concrete jungle. The healthcare system’s injector features messages of health, wellbeing and wholeness, as well as interactive games that naturally tie the sport of racing to health and wellness, testing race fans’ hand-eye coordination – a vital skill on the racetrack.

Through a six-month program of highly structured activities, the 40 high school students in the Tomorrow's Leaders program become familiar with current issues, community resources, and other factors influencing the direction of Volusia County's future. Participation in Tomorrow's Leaders prepares students for constructive leadership and responsible participation in the affairs of Volusia County.

From October through March, students are involved in a series of seminars and discussions, including:
• Criminal Justice
• Manufacturing and Economic Development
• Healthcare and Social Services
• Government and Education
• Diversity and Inclusion Awareness
• Ethics
• The Arts
• Sports Marketing and Entrepreneurship

“Students in the Tomorrow’s Leaders program had a unique behind-the-scenes peek at what it takes to make the Daytona International Speedway a world class motorsports and entertainment venue,” said Kelly Amy, Volusia County Schools manager of strategic partnerships. “We are thankful for this collaboration between the school district, AdventHealth, and Daytona International Speedway to show students the many careers related to sports marketing.”

About AdventHealth Central Florida Division - North Region
Encompassing six AdventHealth hospitals in Flagler, Lake and Volusia counties, the AdventHealth Central Florida Division - North Region is the largest hospital system in the area with 1,208 beds and more than 8,000 team members. The North Region includes facilities in Daytona Beach, DeLand, Orange City, New Smyrna Beach, Palm Coast and Tavares. Formerly known as Florida Hospital, the organization’s parent company changed the name of all wholly-owned entities to AdventHealth on Jan. 2, 2019. Based in Altamonte Springs, AdventHealth is a connected system of care. With more than 80,000 team members, AdventHealth is one of the nation’s largest faith-based health care systems with nearly 50 hospitals and hundreds of care sites in nearly a dozen states. With the mission of Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ, AdventHealth provides whole person care to heal the body, mind and spirit. To learn more, click here.

Photo Caption:
On Dec. 11, high school juniors in the FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools’ Tomorrow's Leaders training program toured the Daytona International Speedway to learn about motorsports. The opportunity was made possible through AdventHealth’s partnership with Daytona International Speedway and is another example of how the health care system is providing value and learning opportunities to the Volusia County School district through their historic partnership.