High school students goals of health care careers get a boost

The Washington Hospital Service League is well known for its many dedicated volunteers, both adults and students, who work with Hospital staff to provide care and support to patients, families, and visitors.

What may not be as well known is that the Service League also supports the community by providing scholarships to residents who are 22 years of age or younger, live in the Washington Township Health Care District, and who wish to pursue a career in health care. The Service League’s Scholarship Program, which has contributed to the training and education of many young people in the community, was established in 1961. The first nursing scholarship of $150 was awarded to a nursing student training at Highland Hospital.

During the last 68 years, the Service League has awarded a total of $383,905 in scholarships to deserving students. The Service League grants two $1,000 scholarships annually that are renewable for three additional years, based on the student’s academic performance and continued focus on the health care field.

“Our volunteers enjoy working in the Hospital and helping patients and families, but it is also meaningful for them to give assistance and support to future doctors, nurses and other health care professionals in our community,” explained the Service League’s scholarship chair, Dian Zarzycki. “Meeting these impressive young people and learning about their past accomplishments and future goals is inspirational. The Service League of Washington Hospital is honored to play a small part in developing future health care providers.”

Veda Jadaprolu was awarded the four-year ($1,000 per year) Katherine Fusco Health Career Scholarship. She will be attending the University of California, Irvine, and her career goal is to become a pediatric neurologist. Based on her work ethic, optimism and excellent communication skills, the scholarship committee also awarded Jadaprolu the one-time $1,055 Gene McGhie Memorial Health Career Scholarship.

Sripradha Manikantan was awarded the four-year ($1,000 per year) Josephine Walton Health Career Scholarship. She will be attending Brown University. Manikantan has been accepted into their eight-year BS-MD program, to earn a bachelor of science and medical degree concurrently. She is majoring in human biology with the goal of becoming a physician. Based on her desire to advocate for others and the execution of her ideas, the scholarship committee also awarded her the one-time $1,000 Ruth Nelsen Memorial Health Career Scholarship.

Volunteer Opportunities

To find out more about the Washington Hospital Service League, including how to become a volunteer, visit www.whhs.com/volunteer