Henry Schein Medical Announces Winner of Its 2025 Rising Star Award

Fifth Annual Award Spotlights Up-and-Coming Athletic Trainers

Henry Schein Medical, the U.S. medical business of Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC), announced today that Ian Jeffer, MS, ATC, LAT, Head Athletic Trainer at Desert Ridge High School in Mesa, Arizona, is the winner of the fifth annual Henry Schein Medical Athletics and Schools Rising Star Award. The recognition celebrates emerging athletic trainers with up to five years of experience in the Sports Medicine industry.

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From left to right: Ian Jeffer, Marissa Lucas, and Angel Picart.

Mr. Jeffer was recognized for providing exceptional care to the students at Desert Ridge High School, and for managing a student sports medicine club that inspires future athletic trainers across the Gilbert Public Schools District. Known for his creative teaching methods, Mr. Jeffer exceeds expectations by helping students with college applications, supervising events beyond his job requirements, and fostering a passion for sports medicine throughout the community.

“Congratulations to Ian Jeffer and each Rising Star finalist for the positive impact they are making, both in their communities and the athletic training profession," said Eric Kearns, National Sales Director of Henry Schein Medical’s Athletics and Schools business. "Athletic trainers play a vital role in not only keeping athletes in the game, but also in supporting the health of communities. We created the Rising Star campaign to celebrate ­­­the future of the profession.”

The Rising Star Award recognizes recently graduated athletic trainers who have not yet reached a senior chief-level position but have a strong career trajectory with the potential for advancement and appointment at the highest levels of the profession.

“I feel blessed to have this opportunity and look forward to using this platform to continue advocating for my athletes, educating my students, and contributing to the growth of the athletic training profession,” said Ian Jeffer. “As an athletic trainer, I strive to serve others with respect and compassion, recognizing the challenges our athletes face and helping them overcome. I want to extend my sincere thanks to Henry Schein and the sports medicine community for selecting me as the recipient of the 2025 Rising Star Award. I am truly humbled and grateful to be chosen from among so many incredible candidates.”

Ian Jeffer was among the following finalists who demonstrated ongoing achievements and contributions to their organizations and the profession:

• Marissa Lucas, DAT, LAT, ATC, Athletic Trainer, WellStar Health System and Cross Creek High School (Augusta, Georgia)
  • To address the lack of access to athletic training within her system, Marissa Lucas partners with local universities to provide athletic training interns with valuable hands-on experience. A strong advocate for the profession, Dr. Lucas also serves as a mentor, educating future professionals. Beyond physical care, she prioritizes mental health, fostering strong communication with coaches to ensure comprehensive athlete support. Her dedication extends beyond work hours, leading community service initiatives, and building lasting relationships that highlight her passion for athletic training.
• Angel Picart, LAT, ATC, Athletic Trainer, American Heritage Schools (Broward County, Florida)
  • In just three years as an athletic trainer, Angel Picart has already made a lifesaving impact, with two cardiac arrest saves and recognition from the Athletic Trainers’ Association of Florida for heroic action during a medical emergency. Dedicated to both her athletes and students at American Heritage Schools in Florida, Ms. Picart goes the extra mile, personally providing equipment for individuals in need and ensuring athletes stay safe in extreme conditions. Known for her respectful yet fun teaching style, Ms. Picart is deeply committed to her patients and the future of athletic training.

The finalists were nominated by peers and selected by a Recognition Committee that included athletic trainers and industry experts in the field. Together, the committee members have experience from an athletic training perspective of a broadly diverse size, type, and geographic distribution. The recipient was then selected based on the number of votes from the public.

As the winner, Ian Jeffer will receive a handheld muscle stimulator and a Medi Kit™ MULE roller bag filled with athletic training supplies.

The Rising Star Award winners throughout the years were Darlene Eckhardt, Head Athletic Trainer at the Buffalo Beauts, a professional women's ice hockey team; Caitlin Hart, Head Athletic Trainer at Newberry High School in Newberry, South Carolina; Gina Harris, Head Athletic Trainer at Bellport High School in Brookhaven, New York; and Aline Valiengo, Head Athletic Trainer and Director of Sports Medicine for Coconut Creek High School in Coconut Creek, Florida.

For more information about the Rising Star Award, click here. To learn more about Henry Schein Medical’s Athletics and Schools business, click here.

About Henry Schein, Inc.

Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC) is a solutions company for health care professionals powered by a network of people and technology. With approximately 25,000 Team Schein Members worldwide, the Company's network of trusted advisors provides more than 1 million customers globally with more than 300 valued solutions that help improve operational success and clinical outcomes. Our Business, Clinical, Technology, and Supply Chain solutions help office-based dental and medical practitioners work more efficiently so they can provide quality care more effectively. These solutions also support dental laboratories, government and institutional health care clinics, as well as other alternate care sites.

Henry Schein operates through a centralized and automated distribution network, with a selection of more than 300,000 branded products and Henry Schein corporate brand products in our distribution centers.

A FORTUNE 500 Company and a member of the S&P 500® index, Henry Schein is headquartered in Melville, N.Y., and has operations or affiliates in 33 countries and territories. The Company's sales reached $12.7 billion in 2024 and have grown at a compound annual rate of approximately 11.2 percent since Henry Schein became a public company in 1995.

For more information, visit Henry Schein at www.henryschein.com, Facebook.com/HenrySchein, Instagram.com/HenrySchein, LinkedIn.com/Company/HenrySchein, and @HenrySchein on X.

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Henry Schein Medical announced today that Ian Jeffer, Head Athletic Trainer at Desert Ridge High School, is the winner of the fifth annual Henry Schein Medical Athletics and Schools Rising Star Award.