Building confidence, compassion, and career pathways at Eastern Hancock High School.
At Eastern Hancock High School, just East of Indianapolis, students in the pre-nursing pathway are gaining much more than a certification—they’re gaining clarity, confidence, and experience that will shape their futures in healthcare. And at the center of that transformation is their instructor, Lena Maroska, LPN, who brings over a decade of nursing experience, a deep connection to the community, and a genuine passion for teaching.
“When this opportunity came up, it was a no-brainer,” Maroska said. “My kids go to school here, we’ve grown up in the community, and Legacy is a great program. Plus, students are doing clinicals somewhere I worked for years. I know that facility like the back of my hand.”
Maroska’s nursing career spans 11 years across long-term care, primary care, and assisted living leadership, including serving as a Director of Assisted Living. In fact, she still works as-needed at the very facility where her students conduct clinical rotations—a unique advantage that gives her insight into both the culture and the expectations of the field.
For Maroska, this high school pathway offers something she didn’t have: Early exposure to healthcare before making big post-secondary decisions. “I wish I would’ve had something like this in high school,” she said. “I went into college unprepared, not sure what I wanted. These students are gaining experience early so they can figure it out.”
Students rotate between classroom instruction, hands-on skills labs, and real clinical experience, where they learn not just how to perform tasks—but how to care for people with dignity. One of Maroska’s favorite exercises involves blindfolding a student and having a peer assist them with feeding—a perspective-taking activity that builds empathy, patience, and awareness. “It helps them experience what it’s like to depend on someone else,” she explained. “They take that compassion with them into the field.”
Like many instructors across Legacy’s programs, Maroska sees an incredible transformation once clinicals begin. “Early on they were very shy and timid,” she said. “Now they leave feeling accomplished. On the bus ride home they’re talking about what they got to do. They’re excited.” Seeing quiet students step out of their comfort zones has been especially meaningful: “Some of the quieter students were struggling to get into the skills at first. But once they felt comfortable, it was so nice to see them really engage. They make it fun—even interacting with patients and staff.”
While many assume high schoolers are unsure about their future, Maroska sees something different: “One thing that surprised me is how many of them already know. They’ve known for a long time and they’re dead set on their path.” Whether or not they are certain about their path in healthcare, she encourages students not to give up, as it can lead in so many different directions: “It doesn’t stop at CNA. There are so many areas in healthcare they can explore. Even if CNA isn’t for them, I hope they keep an open mind…we need more healthcare professionals.”
For a rural district, offering a healthcare pathway is more than an academic perk—it’s a workforce development strategy. “We’re building resumes while they’re still in high school,” Maroska said. “Students can become QMAs, go into nursing, or explore other fields with real experience behind them.” Legacy’s support, she notes, makes the work even more impactful. “It’s been amazing. Everyone is very involved,” she said. “It’s a great place to work.” Lastly, when asked about the biggest challenge, she laughed and gave an answer every high school educator understands: “Trying to keep them all focused at once!”
