Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary Awards Scholarships

The Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary has awarded $1000 scholarships to each of two high school students who are planning to enter the healthcare field, and one current Hospital employee enhancing her education.

Katlyn Nichole Smith, daughter of Kirk and Kim Smith of Watkins Glen, is a 2010 graduate of Watkins Glen High School.  Smith has been active in Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), Rotary Interact Club, and church activities.  Smith plans to attend Keuka College for Occupational Therapy – a career inspired by working with her autistic cousin.

Kayla Marie Riley, daughter of Chris and Tammy Kerr of Watkins Glen, is also a 2010 graduate of Watkins Glen High School.  Riley has been active with SADD, Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) and the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS), as well as volunteering at the Bath V.A.  She graduated from the accelerated honors program as part of the New Vision Health Career Exploration Program at GST BOCES.  Riley plans to attend Corning Community College to become a Registered Nurse.
 
Jackie Ann Collins, of Montour Falls, has worked at Schuyler Hospital for over five years, starting as an aide and then furthering her education to become an LPN in the Seneca View Skilled Nursing Facility.  In addition to being a single mom, Collins volunteers for various Hospital activities, as well as Race for the Cure and Camp AWAND (Adults with Neuromuscular Disorders).  She is already taking classes in the RN Program at Excelsior College, and eventually would like to become a wound care specialist.

Scholarship awards are presented each year to graduating high school seniors and other residents of the county who plan to enter careers in the healthcare field.  In addition to graduating seniors, scholarships may be granted to adults who are already in the healthcare field and wish to further their education through advanced coursework.

Awards are based on academic achievement, volunteerism, and personal essays.

Previous recipients have been in such diverse fields as medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, optometry, speech therapy, midwifery and pharmacy.

The Auxiliary awarded its first scholarship of $250 in 1990.  Over the next twenty years it has grown to three $1000 scholarships.  Funds for the awards are raised through the auxiliary’s hospital gift shop and other volunteer activities. 

For more information about the Schuyler Hospital Auxiliary, contact Clara Greis, President, at (607) 546-5722 or go to www.schuylerhospital.org

To download a PDF of this release, click here.