WHMS Awards Healthcare Scholarships to Local Students
ATKINSON, NE — West Holt Medical Services Foundation and West Holt Memorial Hospital are pleased to announce their 2020 healthcare scholarship award recipients.
West Holt Medical Services Foundation Scholarships
Leighton Mlady and Emily Burk have been selected by West Holt Medical Services Foundation to receive $500 each toward their degrees in the medical field.
Mlady is a 2019 graduate of West Holt High School and is currently entering her second year of undergraduate studies at Mount Marty College in Yankton, South Dakota where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing.
Upon graduating in 2023, Mlady plans to work in the nursing field for a couple of years before furthering her education to become a family nurse practitioner.
Mlady shares, “There is a great shortage of nurses in the United States today, especially in rural areas. It is my goal to keep the legacy of Mount Marty College alive by providing compassionate, knowledgeable, and advanced healthcare to my patients.”
Burk is a 2018 graduate of West Holt High School and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry and molecular biology at Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Upon graduating in 2022, Burk plans to apply to medical school with hopes of becoming a general surgeon or specialist in obstetrics and gynecology.
Burk hopes to return to a rural community to practice medicine. “I want to be a part of bringing big town medicine to my rural community, so my friends, family and community are able to get the care they need close to home,” shared Burk.
West Holt Memorial Hospital Scholarships
Lainey Paxton and Ellie Burkinshaw have been selected by West Holt Memorial Hospital to receive $500 each toward their degrees in the medical field.
Paxton is a 2020 graduate of Stuart High School. This fall she will attend Southeast Community College in Lincoln, Nebraska to pursue an associate’s degree in Surgical Technology. Upon graduation, Paxton hopes to work in a hospital setting.
“I was able to observe a gallbladder surgery. I was in awe the entire time. I loved everything about the job shadow. I felt my passion come to life. It was then I knew I wanted to become a surgical technologist,” Paxton shared.
Burkinshaw is a 2020 graduate of West Holt High School. This fall she will attend Northeast Community College in Norfolk, Nebraska to pursue an associate’s degree in nursing.
Upon graduation, Burkinshaw plans to further her education to become a Registered Nurse and return to her hometown to begin her career.
“Everything has just pointed to becoming a nurse and I am excited to start working towards my dream career,” Burkinshaw expressed.
“Our hospital and foundation are proud to continue our scholarship legacy with hopes that these students will return to the area to provide much needed healthcare services to our community, shared Jessica Prussa, Foundation and Marketing Director at West Holt Medical Services.
For more information about scholarships available click here or call (402) 925-1956.
