LeadingAge Kansas Foundation Announces Scholarship Recipients

16 individuals receive a total of $15,000 to advance their education in aging services

Topeka, Kan – A record number of scholarship recipients have been selected by the LeadingAge Kansas Foundation Board of Directors. Scholarships from $350 to $1500 were awarded to 16 individuals who work in Aging Services across the state. The scholarships will be awarded on October 3, 2019 at the Hyatt Place Conference Center in Lenexa City Center during the LeadingAge Kansas Fall Conference.

“We are thrilled to announce this years Scholarship Recipients.” stated Dana Weaver, Foundation executive director. “Each year the competition gets harder and the application slate is outstanding. Congratulations to the winners and we are looking forward to the impact they will make in our field.”

The 2019 Scholarship Recipients include:

1. Nathan Spencer with Sunshine Meadows in Buhler to go through an Administrator in Training Program
2. Nikki Schmitz with the Wheatlands in Kingman to offset fees for her Administrator Exam
3. Jessica Duhon with Anthony Community Care Center in Anthony to attain a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing
4. Kendra Ojwang with Evergreen Community of Johnson County in Olathe to attain an associate degree in Nursing
5. Valisha Raile with Good Samaritan Society Decatur County in Oberlin to attain an associate degree in Nursing
6. Tasha Alvarez Garnica with Kansas Christian Home in Newton who is a second-year recipient. She is working toward a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing
7. Sarah Harrison with Logan County Manor in Oakley to attain a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing
8. Yeimi De La Mora with Schowalter Villa in Hesston to attain an associate degree in Nursing
9. Sierra Nemechek with Attica Long-Term Care Facility in Attica for a Certified Medication Aide class and credential
10. Vernita Schrag with Kidron Bethel Village in Newton for a Resident Assessment Coordinator - Certified Advanced (RAC-CTA) class and credential
11. Melanie Colegrove with Pine Village in Moundridge for a Certified Dietary Manager Class and credential
12. Chiann Silks with Schowalter Villa in Hesston for a wound care class and credential
13. Carrie Ashbaugh with Sheridan County Health Complex in Hoxie toward a wound care Class and credential
14. Derick Siwila with Brewster Place in Topeka toward an associate degree in occupational therapy
15. Amy Watson with Wichita Presbyterian Manor in Wichita toward a Bachelor of Science degree
16. Caitlan Ryser with Sunset Home in Concordia toward an associate degree in business

This is the seventh year that the LeadingAge Kansas Foundation has awarded scholarships to deserving individuals wishing to advance their education to support older Kansans. To date, the Foundation has provided nearly $62,000 to 78 individuals. The program was developed to support individuals in their advancement in knowledge and expertise in the field of aging services.

The scholarships are made possible through generous donations from individuals and companies across Kansas including LeadingAge Kansas members and Central National Bank.

The LeadingAge Kansas Foundation was formed in 1988 to advance the health and well-being of older adults by providing research, education, training and the dissemination of information for providers of long-term supports and services. Learn more at www.leadingagekansas.org/foundation.