High school students earn Carson Auxiliary scholarships

(From left) Shelly Weaver, Volunteer Services Manager and Auxiliary Advisor, Sparrow Carson Hospital, scholarship winners Monica Buhr, Chase Thelen, Kayla Datema, and Pam Pelz, Auxiliary Volunteer and Scholarship Committee member.

Published: July 24, 2015

The Sparrow Carson Hospital Auxiliary has presented $500 scholarships to three well-deserving local high school graduates who plan to pursue a career in health care.

This year’s recipients are Monica Buhr, a Fowler High School graduate who will pursue and education in Nursing at Lake Superior State University; Kayla Datema, a Carson City-Crystal High School graduate who will attend Montcalm Community College to study Physical Therapy; and Chase Thelen, a Pewamo-Westphalia High School graduate who will attend Central Michigan University in pursuit of an education in Physical Therapy.

The scholarships were awarded from among 29 applicants, who submitted an essay on what is inspiring them to choose health care. The review committee also looked at their volunteerism within the community, their grade point average, scholastic achievements, and extracurricular involvement.

“Nearly all of the applicants showed great leadership skills, had volunteer hours in a variety of areas and met or exceeded each of the requirements,” said Pam Pelz, Sparrow Carson Hospital Auxiliary Volunteer and Scholarship Committee Member. “The task of choosing only three recipients was very difficult.”

“The Auxiliary hopes the $500 can help the students in any way and encourage the next generation into the health care field,” said Shelly Weaver, Sparrow Carson Hospital Volunteer Services Manager and Auxiliary Advisor.

The Sparrow Carson Hospital Auxiliary meets monthly, and hosts a number of fundraisers and sales throughout the year. All monies raised are used to assist Sparrow Carson Hospital in its mission to improve the health of the people in our communities by providing quality, compassionate care to everyone, every time. If you are interested in learning more about the Auxiliary, please contact Shelly Weaver at 989.584.3971, ext. 551.