The employees at St. John’s Lutheran Hospital are encouraging area youth to pursue degrees in the field of medicine by offering annual scholarships.

Fourteen years ago, a group of St. John’s employees formulated a plan to raise funds for local students that were pursuing degrees in healthcare.  

These employees involved the entire hospital in their quest and through payroll deduction and other fundraising activities started that SJLH Medical Scholarship Fund.  

In addition to the money given by the employees of SJLH (totaling close to $20,000 during the past 14 years,) the hospital matches employee contributions up to $1,000 annually to help these students get a jump start in their healthcare career.

Local students receiving the $500 individual scholarships this year were Emily McBride of Libby, and Kevin Peel and Emily Anderson of Troy.  

The student’s applications were reviewed by the SJLH scholarship committee, and recipients were chosen based on their academics, leadership, school activities, and community service and activities.  Students were also asked to write an essay on their reasons for choosing a career in healthcare.  

For more information about the SJLH Medical Scholarship Fund, call Susan Horelick at 283-7059.