Gracie Squires
Gracie Squires has spent her time at Owens Community College succeeding both inside and outside of the classroom.
In addition to being a Surgical Technology student, Squires also volunteered to give tours to high school students visiting Owens and the program. She spent time volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Ohio, too.
Squires will graduate in spring 2025 with her associate degree in Surgical Technology, and she’ll be recognized as the program’s Beyond the Scalpel Award recipient as well.
“I think I got the award because I expanded myself and did a lot,” Squires said.
The award recognizes a surgical technology graduate who has made significant contributions outside the traditional scope of surgical procedures, in areas such as community service, public health initiatives or technological innovations that enhance patient care.
The Ronald McDonald House is located next to Toledo Hospital and allows families to stay close to healthcare facilities when their children need medical attention. They supply families not only with housing but meals and other necessities.
“It was a charity that I was interested in and it was a good opportunity, but as I spent more time there and getting to know the people staying there and their stories, it was life-changing,” Squires said.
Squires’ curiosity led her toward a career in healthcare. Her father has undergone multiple knee surgeries, and she always wondered what happened behind the closed doors.
After coming to Owens and realizing nursing wasn’t what she was looking for, a friend suggested Squires look into Surgical Technology.
“I didn’t know what I was doing when I came here in the beginning, I was just taking (pre-requisite) classes, until I saw the program,” Squires said. “After doing more research, I thought this could be really fun.
“Ever since then, I love it. I feel like I’m important because I act as a voice for the patient … just keeping them safe overall.”
Squires described her time at Owens as positive, thanks to the instructors. She found her true calling, a perfect fit for her career.
“They want the best for us,” Squires said. “You will never get an opportunity like this outside of Owens. I feel like it was a blessing to be here and have Owens have this program. I don’t know what I would have done without it.”
Squires has already accepted a position with NWO Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Surgery Center in Findlay. Talk about a perfect fit – Squires’ journey truly has come full circle.
“It’s funny because I always wondered what happened with my dad and his knees, now I get to see it,” Squires said.
Published May 2025