LeadingAge Kansas Foundation Announces
2020 Scholarship Recipients

15 individuals receive a total of $14,000 to advance their education in aging services

Topeka, Kan – Fifteen individuals will receive a scholarship to advance their career in aging services from the LeadingAge Kansas Foundation. Scholarships range from $500 to $1500 and will be awarded virtually on October 13, 2020.  

“We are thrilled to be able to share good news in this unprecedented time,” stated Dana Weaver, Foundation executive director. “All of the individuals who are receiving a scholarship are true heroes in the fight against COVID-19 in nursing homes across the state. They are truly making a difference. Congratulations to the winners and we are looking forward to the impact they will make in our field.”

The 2020 Scholarship Recipients include:

• Michelle Neufeld with Pleasant View Home in Inman to complete an Administrator in Training Program       
• Andrea McDaniel with Attica Long-Term Care in Attica to advance nursing education
• Beulah Mathew with Lakeview Village in Lenexa to become a physical therapist
• Suzanne Stinson with Wheatlands Health Care Center in Kingman to complete a Certified Medication Aide
• Anna Torres with Leisure Homestead in Stafford to go to nursing school
• Mareli Salazar with Wichita County Health Center in Leoti to go to nursing school
• Tynisha Major with Hill Top House in Bucklin to go to nursing school
• Cristal Hernandez with Evergreen Community of Johnson County to go to nursing school
• Valisha Raile with Good Samaritan Society in Decatur County to go to nursing school
• Sasha Crosby with Villa Maria in Mulvane to go to nursing school
• Hanna Herd with Protection Valley Manor in Protection to go to nursing school
• Ivan Ollarzabal with Homestead Health Center in Wichita to go to nursing school
• Evelyn Phillips with Cedar Lake Village in Olathe to go to nursing school
• Tori Cook with Ascension Senior Living Via Christi Village in Manhattan to advance nursing education
• Tammy Thompson with Presbyterian Manor of the Plains in Dodge City to advance nursing education

This is the eighth 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 $76,000 to 93 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.