A Houston Methodist Hospital internship is opening doors for one Memorial High School (MHS) student this summer, and the opportunity speaks for itself.
Junior Malachi Lewis has been selected for the 2026 Rising Stars Summer Enrichment Program, a six-week paid experience designed for students exploring careers in surgery and health care. Out of 677 applicants across the Houston area, Malachi is one of just 10 students chosen.
That level of selectivity makes the recognition clear. This is not just participation. It is distinction.
Hosted by the Department of Surgery at Houston Methodist Hospital, the Rising Stars Program gives students rare, behind-the-scenes access to the medical field. Participants work alongside clinical leaders, observe patient care and surgeries, and take part in lab simulations that introduce real surgical techniques.
For Malachi, the experience moves learning beyond the classroom and into real-world application.
“This blessing means so much to me. I’m overjoyed to receive this opportunity,” Lewis said. “I trust that this experience will help open doors within Houston’s medical community and allow me to pursue research after I complete school.”
“We couldn’t be more proud of Malachi,” said Lisa Weir, principal of Memorial High School. “This accomplishment is not only a personal milestone, but a moment of pride for our entire school community.”
Throughout the six-week program, he will:
Engage directly with surgeons and health care professionals
Observe patient care in clinical settings
Participate in hands-on lab simulations
Explore a range of surgical specialties and health care career pathways
Opportunities like this are designed to spark direction early, giving students a clearer understanding of what it takes to succeed in highly specialized fields.
“Malachi’s deep curiosity and tireless work ethic have always made him stand out in the classroom,” said Tamara Nixon, an anatomy and physiology teacher. “He has a natural drive to understand the ‘why’ behind the science, and I have no doubt his dedication and heart will make him an incredible asset to the team.”
For Lewis, it is a chance to test his interests, build connections and gain firsthand experience in an environment few high school students ever see.
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