by Kelly Rogge, KCKCC
A Kansas City Kansas Community College student has been recognized as one of the state’s outstanding physical therapist assistant students.
Harry D. Muldrow III, a third semester student in KCKCC’s PTA program, was awarded the Candy Bahner Outstanding Physical Therapist Assistant Student Award by the Kansas Physical Therapy Association.
The award is open to all PTA students in the state of Kansas’ five PTA programs. Muldrow was selected based on his extensive volunteering in school and community organizations as well as his academic performance in the PTA program.
“I was honored to be chosen as the recipient, knowing the caliber of talent among my peers and future colleagues,” he said of winning the award. “Receiving the award was a privilege for me, and I was proud to bring the recognition to the wonderful teachers and PTA program at KCKCC.”
Muldrow is a member of the Therapy Club, which helps to organize school activities such as the Back to School Bash. In addition, he has been involved in KCKCC health fairs, which has brought awareness of functional impairments to community members and has volunteered with Ability KC, Stroke Camp, the Ronald McDonald House and the Blue Devil 5K, among others.
“I believe volunteering is important because it serves as a way for members of the community to meet and work with each other in ways they would not usually do so,” he said. “Everyone should find a way to volunteer – even if it’s in a small way. The world would be a much better place if we all found a small way to help each other.”
Michele Avery, program and clinical coordinator for KCKCC’s PTA program, said Muldrow’s “exceptional interpersonal skills” allow him to connect with people of all backgrounds.
“Harry has a unique ability to connect with all types of people,” she said. “His positive attitude, determination in the classroom and extensive volunteer activities made him an obvious choice for this award. I know he will do great things as a PTA.”
Muldrow said he chose to study physical therapy because of past experiences with brain injury and the road to recovery people must endure. In fact, his dream job would be to help brain injury patients restore their functions.
“I found the physical therapy field late in life. I had spent some time in corporate America and knew that it was not for me. A friend encouraged me to apply for a job as a therapy tech, and after spending time in the field I knew it was the right fit for me,” he said. “Physical therapy combines my passions, which are teaching and helping people.”