2010 MDH Health Career Scholarships Awarded to Local Residents

Each year, the MDH Health Careers Committee awards several scholarships to women and men who are pursuing a career or continuing their education in a health-related field. The Health Careers Loan and Scholarship Program was established in 1960, and since then has helped numerous students further their education. This year, a total of $5,600 was awarded in scholarships and $13,950 was distributed in loans, benefiting 18 recipients.

Established in 2007 by Gayle and Ron Peterson of LaHarpe, a $700 nursing scholarship is given annually to a student pursuing a nursing degree. The recipient of this year’s scholarship is Megan Clemens, of Astoria. She is a student at Western Illinois University where she is pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. Clemens currently works at MDH as a registered nurse in the Intensive Care Unit.

Jodi Abernathy, RN, of Table Grove is the recipient of the $500 Ruby Teel Health Career Scholarship. Abernathy is currently working as a registered nurse and clinical care coordinator in the Intensive Care Unit at MDH. She is pursuing her Master of Science in Nursing Healthcare Administration degree through Walden University. The Ruby Teel Scholarship was established in 2001 and is awarded annually to someone who plans to pursue or continue a career in health care. Ruby Teel was a nurse for over 40 years before retiring from MDH in 1993. Teel passed away in March of 2007.

In 2004, a $500 nursing scholarship from an anonymous donor was established to benefit someone who is beginning or furthering a career in nursing. This year’s recipient is Trisha Kuster of Macomb. She is currently a Certified Nurse Assistant for Western Illinois Home Care. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Western Illinois University.

In addition to the above mentioned scholarships, the Auxiliary Scholarship Fund, totaling $3,900, was distributed to the following recipients: Jodi Abernathy, Megan Clemens, Ashley Gooden, Chloe Li, Amy Fansler, Trisha Kuster, Kamie McKee, Lora Vogler, and Lindsay White. This scholarship fund is made possible through interest from donations to the Auxiliary to MDH in memory or in honor of individuals.

For more information about health career loans and scholarships, please contact the MDH Auxiliary/Volunteer Services office at (309) 836-1579.