CLARION, Pa. – Clarion Hospital Foundation awarded seven scholarships to area students who will pursue an education in the medical field. Gena Caldwell, Nicholas Cherico, Kera Cussins, MacKenzie DiTullio, Emily Gourley, Haley Minich, and Becca Smith were selected by committee members to be the 2018 recipients.
To be eligible for scholarship consideration, students must be a graduate or future graduate of a Clarion County high school, be accepted to a school of post-secondary healthcare education, have a grade point average of 3.0 or equivalent in the final three years of high school, and they plan to pursue higher education in a medical related field.
Gena Caldwell was awarded the James Alexander Memorial Scholarship.
Gena is a 2018 graduate of North Clarion High School. While at North Clarion, Gena was a member of the National Honor Society, Band, and Junior Historians. She participated in Track & Field, Basketball, and was a varsity starter in Volleyball. Community service has been a big part of her activities over the last six years.
Gena has been accepted to Gannon University where she plans to study biomedical engineering.
Nicholas Cherico was awarded the Dr. John Brooks Memorial Scholarship.
Nicholas is a 2018 graduate of Clarion Area High School. While at Clarion, Nicholas was the President of the Senior Class, a member of the National Honor Society, a member of the Science Olympiad Team, Treasurer of Senior Choir, Treasurer of Band, Senior High Student Council President, and earned a lead role in the All-School Musical. He was also a member of Clarion Scout Troop 51 where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and has been involved with several community service projects throughout the years.
Nicholas has been accepted to both Duquesne University and Gannon University and has early acceptance into LECOM and will pursue a career as a physician.
Kera Cussins was awarded the Dr. John Johnston Memorial Scholarship.
Kera is a 2018 Graduate from North Clarion High School. While attending North Clarion, Kera was a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, Clarion County Youth Council, Junior Historians, Prom Committee, and served as a library assistant. She also played JV and Varsity Volleyball and participated as a Junior Olympian in Volleyball. Through the years, Kera participated in the Academic Decathlon and Scrimmage, the Clarion University Math Competition and the Science Olympiad as well.
Kera plans to attend Lock Haven University where she will begin her journey to become a physician assistant.
MacKenzie DiTullio was awarded the Fran Shope Memorial Scholarship.
MacKenzie is a 2018 graduate of Clarion Area High School. While at Clarion, Mackenzie was a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council Treasurer, Senior Class Secretary, and Clarion Area Varsity Softball. In addition, she was a member of Concert Band, Prep Band, Jazz Band, Marching Band, and Twirling Angels Competitive Baton Corp.
Mackenzie has been accepted to Saint Francis University where she will pursue a career in occupational therapy.
Emily Gourley was awarded the Fran Shope Memorial Scholarship.
Emily Gourley is a 2018 graduate of Redbank Valley High School. While at Redbank, she was a member of the National Honor Society and served as secretary, SPARK Club where she was the Public Relations Officer, 4H serving as Secretary and current President, and was the captain of the Volleyball Team as well as the Track & Field Team.
Emily will be attending Messiah College where she will major in biomedical engineering.
Haley Minich was awarded the Joseph and Helen Miller Memorial Scholarship.
Haley is a 2018 graduate of Redbank Valley High School. While at Redbank, she was a member of the National Honor Society, Bible Club, served as Captain of Varsity Soccer, and competed in Varsity Track & Field. She volunteers as a tutor and vacation Bible school leader as well.
Haley has been accepted to Gannon University and Duquesne University and will be attending LECOM to finish her training to become a pharmacist.
Becca Smith was awarded the Joseph and Helen Miller Memorial Scholarship.
Becca is a 2018 graduate from Keystone Jr.-Sr. High School as well as the Clarion County Career Center’s Allied Health Science Program. While at Keystone, Becca was a member of the National Honor Society, Senior Class Treasurer, Sr. High Student Government Treasurer, and Cheerleading Captain. She was also a member of the Clarion County Career Honor Society and Clarion County Career Center Allied Health Science Class Treasurer/Secretary.
Becca will attend Clarion University of Pennsylvania this fall where she will pursue a degree in nursing.
