2024 Healthcare Studies Scholarships Awarded
Two highly deserving Leduc region students are this year’s scholarship recipients.
The Foundation congratulates the two newest recipients of the 2024 Healthcare Studies Scholarships, Kassydi Pankewicz and Anna Scheetz. This initiative supports students from the Leduc region who are pursuing post-secondary healthcare related studies. Two (2) scholarships of $1,000 are awarded annually to eligible applicants.
A recent graduate of Leduc Composite High School, Kassydi Pankewicz is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at Red Deer Polytechnic. Although a career in the medical field has been a lifelong aspiration, she was drawn further down this path after observing the profound empathy displayed by the nurses attending to her grandfather. Kassydi envisions herself working with children in pediatrics upon completing her degree.
"When I found out I had been awarded the scholarship I was ecstatic and extremely grateful. Earning a healthcare-centered scholarship means so much more to me than just providing financial support - it signifies a recognition of my dedication to my goals," explains Kassydi. "This scholarship further validates my commitment to helping others through healthcare, and inspires me to continue to strive for excellence in my academic and professional pursuits."
Anna Scheetz is a graduate of Thorsby Junior/Senior High School who has been accepted in the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Grant MacEwan University. Anna is pursuing nursing for the opportunities it affords her to learn more about a subject that has fascinated her, biology, but also to fulfill her desire to help others in a real and meaningful way. Upon completion of her schooling, she aspires to be able to work close to her own community of Thorsby helping to provide healthcare to the people in this rural area she calls home.
"I am going to study to become a Registered Nurse. I'm incredibly excited to begin my nursing studies next fall!" says Anna. "Having this scholarship helps ease some of the financial burden of going to school, which reduces some of my stress and will allow me to focus more on my studies. It also makes me feel supported and encouraged by my community in my journey to becoming a Registered Nurse."
The Foundation received many high-caliber applications that were evaluated by a committee of the board using an established criteria and scoring system. All the applicants were strong and it was a difficult decision for the committee.
"The dedication and passion the students expressed in their applications confirms that the future of quality healthcare in our community is in good hands," notes Colleen Zimmerman, the Foundation’s Executive Director.
The Healthcare Studies Scholarship is open to Leduc-region students who are currently enrolled in post-secondary healthcare related studies. Applicants are required to submit a one-page essay detailing why they are entering post-secondary healthcare related studies, including a statement of professional goals, high school transcripts, official confirmation of registration in post-secondary healthcare studies, a resume and two reference letters.
The Foundation’s Scholarships and Awards Program would not be possible without the support of generous donors and supporters. The deadline for future scholarship applications is January 31 annually with awards presented in March.