Post-Secondary Scholarship Recipients Announced for the 2016-2017 Academic Year

HANCOCK, Mich., March 10, 2017 – For the 2016-2017 academic year, the Portage Health Foundation (PHF) awarded $50,000 in scholarships to 17 local students from Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw, and Ontonagon counties who are seeking health-related degrees or certificates.

Currently, PHF has scholarship programs with Finlandia University, Gogebic Community College, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Michigan Technological University, and Northern Michigan University.  Each institution selects and awards the scholarships, which are renewable so long as students fulfill all eligibility requirements.

PHF is pleased to recognize and congratulate the 2016-2017 recipients and wish them much success in their studies.

From Finlandia University:

• Chloe Ashley, a fourth-year nursing student from Ontonagon – two-time PHF recipient.
• Patrice Lompre, a second-year nursing student from South Range – two-time PHF recipient.
• Rebecca Steffensen, a fourth-year physical therapy assistant student from Ontonagon – two-time PHF recipient.

From Gogebic Community College:

• Shelly Jeter, a second-year nursing student from South Range.
• Amanda Juntunen, a second-year nursing student from Chassell.
• Rachel Poyhonen, a second-year nursing student from Calumet.
• Vanessa Mueller, a second-year nursing student from Calumet – two-time PHF recipient.
• Lanette Lassila, a second-year nursing student from Calumet.

From Michigan State University College of Human Medicine:

• Caitlin Polakowski, a second-year medical student from Houghton – two-time PHF recipient.
• Kenneth Seid, a first-year medical student from Ontonagon.

From Michigan Tech University:

• Kelly Larson, a fourth-year sports and fitness management student from L’Anse – two-time PHF recipient.
• Braden Peterson, a fourth-year medical laboratory science student from Hancock – two-time PHF recipient.
• Katie Schjoth, a fourth-year medical laboratory science student from Baraga – two-time PHF recipient.

Post-Secondary Scholarship Recipients Announced for the 2016-2017 Academic Year – Mar. 8, 2017

From Northern Michigan University:

• Valerie Darnell, a third-year radiography student from Calumet.
• Marissa Graff, a post BA radiography student from Houghton.
• Bethany Riutta, a fourth-year speech and language hearing science student from Houghton.
• Elizabeth Way, a fifth-year nursing student from Houghton.

This is the second year PHF has offered its scholarship program.  “PHF remains committed to providing financial support to local students pursuing degrees in the healthcare field,” said Hilary Anderson, Grants Management Coordinator at the Portage Health Foundation.  “We continue to believe that by supporting students, we are also developing a workforce that has the skills and capacity to meet the community’s health needs.”

PHF has also renewed its scholarship program with each institution for the 2017-2018 academic year.  Interested students should speak with a representative from their school for information on how to apply.

About the Portage Health Foundation

The Portage Health Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that receives and contributes charitable donations, which support the health needs of the community through enhanced philanthropy and community collaboration throughout Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw, and Ontonagon counties.