FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 21, 2009

SJMH Auxiliary Announces Scholarship Award Recipients

This year’s recipients of the St. John’s Mercy Hospital Auxiliary Scholarships were recognized at a reception on May 15.

Nicole Gibson and Katie Hellebusch each received $1,000 scholarships. Nicole, the daughter of Richard and Patricia Gibson, was a Student Volunteer at St. John’s Mercy Hospital in 2006 and graduated from St. Francis Borgia Regional High School. She has completed her third year at St. Louis College of Pharmacy. Katie, the daughter of Tom and Krista Hellebusch, was a Student Volunteer from 2005 to 2008. She graduated from St. Francis Borgia Regional High School and plans to major in Nursing at Maryville University.

Kayla Eckelkamp and Melissa Luechtefeld each received $500 scholarships. Kayla, the daughter of Allan and Debbie Eckelkamp, was a Student Volunteer at St. John’s Mercy Hospital in 2005 and 2006 and graduated from St. Francis Borgia Regional High School last year. She is attending Maryville University. Her major is Nursing. Melissa, the daughter of Dale and Diana Luechtefeld, will be graduating from Washington High School this year and plans to study pharmacology at the University of Missouri in Kansas City.

“These young women were selected because of their involvement in the community and the Hospital, their commitment to maintaining high GPAs and their compelling essays to the Scholarship Committee that explained their interest in health care as a career,” said Joan Huxel, committee chairperson. 

Many qualified students applied but only four students could be selected.

“When so many applicants are worthy, the decision becomes more difficult,” Huxel said. “This year was no different than previous years in that respect. We are proud to have such a good pool of candidates and so many young people who are interested in health care.”

Other members of the St John's Mercy Auxiliary Scholarship Committee were Auxiliary members Carol Maune, Connie Kloppe and Sister Reine Marie Martin.

St John’s Mercy Auxiliary Scholarship was established in 1993 and has awarded more than $32,000 to date to help student’s who are pursuing health care related professions.

###