LAPORTE | Scholarships and awards totaling more than $93,000 were presented to local students on June 17 during the 2008 LaPorte Regional Health System Scholarship Awards Program at LaPorte Hospital. LaPorte Regional Health System (LRHS), LaPorte Hospital Foundation and LaPorte Hospital Auxiliary have sponsored financial scholarships and award/loan programs for students pursuing or considering careers in health science and healthcare occupations since 1982.

The LaPorte Hospital Foundation awarded $28,000, and the LaPorte Hospital Auxiliary awarded $15,000 in scholarships to area students pursuing health-related educations. In addition, LRHS provided up to $50,000 to area students pursuing health careers in fields considered to be in critical need in the healthcare industry.

The LaPorte Hospital Foundation awards were funded by the proceeds of an annual golf tournament or were sponsored by a gift from local families. The recipients were:

LaPorte Hospital Foundation Scholarship ¾ Kara Butcher, Nursing, BS, Purdue University North Central; Karen Chambly, Respiratory Therapy, Purdue University North Central; Linda Fischer, Nursing, BS, Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne; Jacob Galloway, Dentistry, Ball State University; Ashley Melton, Nursing, AS, Purdue University North Central; Katherine Shelton, Physical Therapy, University of Evansville; and Katherine Steinheiser, Nursing, BS, Ball State University.

Kemp Family Scholarship (in honor of Gladys Kemp) ¾ Sheryl Staub, Nursing, BS, Valparaiso University.

Kepler Memorial Award (for a medical student) ¾ Abigail Prast, Pediatrics, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Dr. John E. and Lillian R. Magnuson Award (for LRHS employees advancing their degrees) ¾ Suzanne Smith, Nursing, MS, Valparaiso University; Debra Swanson, Nursing, MS, Walden University; and Jennifer Williams, Nursing, MS, Bethel College.

Elizabeth S. and Eugene G. Siefker Scholarship ¾ Rebecca Turpin, Pre-Medicine, Indiana University Northwest.

Richard M. Sisson Scholarship ¾ James Eilers, Nursing, BS, Purdue University North Central.

LRHS recipients were:

Critical Occupations Award ¾ Sarah Darrell, Nursing, BS, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis; Melissa Dunfee, Respiratory Therapy, Ivy Tech; Marzena Jedynak, Radiology Technology, Indiana University Northwest; Jamie Koch, Nursing, BS, Valparaiso University; and Janice Yacullo, Nursing, BS, Goshen College.

The LaPorte Hospital Auxiliary awards were funded by proceeds from sales in the La Porte Hospital Wishing Well Gift Shop. The recipients were:

First Year Scholarships ¾ Sara Biela, Pre-Pharmacy, Purdue University North Central; Sara Davis, Nursing, BS, University of Indianapolis; Katryna Decker, Nursing, BS, Purdue University North Central; Brittany Haller, Pre-Pharmacy, Ferris State University; Amy Kanyer, Nutrition and Business, BS, Ball State University; Estrella Karns, Nursing, AS, Purdue University North Central; Sarah McCullough, Pre-Pharmacy, Butler University; Christiana McLean, Nursing, AS, Purdue University North Central; Mary Roe, Nursing, BS, Purdue University North Central; and Tabatha Wilson-Davis, Nursing, BS, Purdue University North Central.

Scholarship Renewals ¾ Anna Coffey, Pre-Medicine, Indiana State University; Irene Gross, Nursing, AS, Ancilla College; Michelle Landry, Pre-Pharmacy, Purdue University; Michelle Martin, Nursing, BS, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis; Shannah Watts, Physical Therapy Assistant; AS, University of Indianapolis; and Amber Zeedyk, Physical Therapy, BS, Andrews University.

Abby's Pet Visitation Scholarship (Whirlpool Foundation) ¾ Cheryl Barney, Nursing, BS, Ancilla College.

Bowen Scholarship ¾ Courtney Clougher, Pre-Medicine, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis

Door Prairie Painters Scholarship ¾ Rachel Rehlander, Biology, BS, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.