Jennifer Wilkinson, FEO, August 29, 2024, VOL. 5 ISSUE 26
Honoring Academic Excellence and Commitment to Healthcare
On August 12, Sandra Flake, Bursary Committee Chairperson and Valerie Gagnon, Auxiliary Treasurer from the Douglas Heights Memorial (DHM) Hospital Auxiliary welcomed students and their proud parents to the annual bursary awards ceremony. Held in the hospital’s little shop, Sandra Flake addressed the gathering, praising the students for their hard work and academic achievements. “These are all so well deserved. You’ve all worked really hard, and the marks you received from your schools are outstanding!”, she said.
The DHM Auxiliary has been supporting students through its Health Career Bursary program since 1978. Initially offering $60 bursaries to five students, the program has grown significantly over the years. Today, seven bursaries of $1,000 each are awarded to local students committed to pursuing a career in healthcare.
To be eligible for the bursary, applicants must be residents of Greater Fort Erie and attend one of the following schools:
- Greater Fort Erie Secondary School
- Lakeshore Catholic High School
- Niagara Christian Collegiate
- Fort Erie International Academy
Additionally, students must be dedicated to an educational pathway in a healthcare-related field.
The 2024 bursary recipients were announced with pride, showcasing a diverse group of students embarking on various healthcare careers:
- Sophia Herran – Greater Fort Erie Secondary School (GFESS) – BSc Nursing, Brock University
- Allaura LaHay – Fort Erie International Academy (FEIA) – Social Services, Mohawk College
- Esha Rajesh – Greater Fort Erie Secondary School (GFESS) – BSc Nursing, Western University
- Jenna Sandel – Lakeshore Catholic High School (LCHS) – BSc Nursing, Cedarville Christian University, Ohio
- Jessie Sider – Niagara Christian Collegiate (NCC) – Physiotherapy, University of British Columbia
- Megan Stewart – Lakeshore Catholic High School (LCHS) – Psychology, University of Guelph
- Rachel Ann Varghese – Lakeshore Catholic High School (LCHS) – BSc Nursing, Brock University
Megan Stewart, one of the bursary recipients, expressed her gratitude, stating, “The money I received from the bursary will help so much with my residence, meals, and tuition.”
The bursaries are funded entirely through the efforts of the DHM Auxiliary’s small shop located in the hospital on the main floor. “All the money for the bursaries is raised by this little store. We sell coffee, tea, sandwiches, and gifts,” said Sandra Flake. “All the money that we raise stays here in Fort Erie.”
In addition to funding bursaries, the money raised also supports the hospital’s equipment needs, fulfilling wish lists from doctors and nurses for essential items like beds and mattresses.
The DHM Auxiliary is a volunteer-driven organization, and its members take great pride in contributing to both the hospital and the local community. “We are all volunteers, and this place is so special,” said Sandra, emphasizing the importance of their work.
Photo Caption: DMH Auxiliary’s Sandra Flake, (left) and Valerie Gagnon (far right) proudly present checks to the 2024 Health Care Bursary recipients.
Sophia Herron, Jessica Sider, Esha Rajesh, Allaura La Hay, Rachel Ann Varghese, and Megan Stewart, and Jenna Sandel (not pictured)-photo by Jen Wilkinson
