Each year, the Clara Barton Hospital Foundation awards scholarships to applicants interested in pursuing a degree in the medical field. These scholarships have been funded through scholarship endowments that have been established over the years. This year the Foundation awarded six scholarships, totaling $3,000.
The Verda Lane scholarship was made possible through an endowment established by her family in honor of her years of dedicated nursing service. The scholarship assists students in their academic pursuit to become a Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). This year, the Verda Lane scholarship was awarded to Krista Schneider of Olmitz and Kylie Lamatsch of Claflin.
Schneider is a former graduate from Hoisington High School (Class of 2018) and currently a student at Fort Hays State University. In high school, she received her CNA and gained experience in the medical field, which solidified her decision to pursue a nursing career. She began the nursing program at FHSU the fall of 2020 and continues to work as a CNA, planning to become either a Pediatric Nurse or a Labor & Delivery Nurse. She is considering continuing her education even further to possibly become a Nurse Practitioner and looks forward to the challenges and opportunities a nursing career will hold.
Kylie Lamatsch is a former graduate of Central Plains High School (Class of 2018) and is currently attending Fort Hays State University, pursing a degree in Nursing. She has a passion for helping others and making a difference in her patients’ lives. Her goal is to graduate with her BSN in the spring of 2021 and return to the central Kansas area and serve the community that helped shaped her into who she is today.
The Jonathan Witt Scholarship supports students planning to pursue a healthcare professional curriculum. This scholarship is the oldest scholarship offered, having been continually awarded since the formation of the Hospital Auxiliary organization in the 1950’s. The auxiliary members voted to rename the scholarship in 2004 and established an endowment with the Foundation in honor of Jonathan Witt, son of Dr. Dan and Sandi Witt. This year, the scholarships were awarded to Delaney Rugan of Claflin and Madison Hanzlick (Wilborn) of Russell.
Delaney Rugan is a former graduate from Central Plains High School (Class of 2020) and currently attending Kansas State University, majoring in Biology Pre-Medicine. From a young age, she has had a passion for the medical field and a love of children, which influenced her decision to become a Pediatrician. After graduating with her bachelors, she hopes to be accepted into the University of Kansas Medical School to complete her medical degree and plans to move back to the central Kansas area, caring for the families of those that helped shape her into the person she is today.
Madison Hanzlick (Wilborn) is a former graduate of Hoisington High School (Class of 2017) and a former CNA at Clara Barton Hospital. She graduated with her BSN from Fort Hays State University in December of 2020, passed state boards, and has additionally been accepted into the Doctor of Nursing Program at FHSU. While pursuing her doctorate, Hanzlick will continue to work as an RN in the Progressive Care Unit at HaysMed. After graduating, she would ultimately like to move to a smaller community to raise a family and work in a Family Practice Clinic, where she’ll have the opportunity to treat patients of all ages and conditions.
The Sadie Stalcup Scholarship was established in more recent years to honor Sadie Stalcup, a long-time nurse at Clara Barton Hospital. This year, two scholarships were awarded to Maleigha Schmidt of Hoisington and Elizabeth Linenberger of Great Bend.
Schmidt is a former graduate from Hoisington High School (Class of 2019) and currently a student at Fort Hays State University, majoring in Biology (Pre-Med). Always wanting to pursue a career in the medical field, she witnessed firsthand the positive impact doctors have had on her family and it solidified her decision to pursue a medical degree. After receiving a Pre-Med degree, Schmidt’s goal is to attain a Doctorate of Anesthesiology and return to the area, hoping to make the same positive impact on the lives of others.
Elizabeth Linenberger is a former graduate of Great Bend High School (Class of 2019) and is currently taking undergraduate classes at Kansas State University. After having the opportunity to shadow several medical careers, Linenberger was drawn to pharmacy. She’s gained experience as a Pharmacy Clerk in both Manhattan and Great Bend and has been accepted into the School of Pharmacy program at the University of Kansas beginning this fall. Linenberger is looking forward to exploring the different pharmacy specializations and moving back to the Great Bend area after graduating.
If you would be interested in making a contribution to any of these endowments or to the Clara Barton Foundation, please visit www.clarabartonhospital.com, contact the Foundation at 620-292-0814 or mail your tax-deductible contribution to P.O. Box 25 Hoisington, Kansas 67544.