2009 MDH Health Career Scholarships Awarded to Local Residents

Thirteen scholarships totaling $4,700 were awarded through the McDonough District Hospital Health Careers Committee to women and men who are pursuing a career or continuing their education in a health-related field. The Health Careers Loan and Scholarship Program through the MDH Auxiliary was established in 1960, and since then has helped numerous students further their education. In addition to $4,700 in scholarships, $10,500 in loan funds were distributed to 15 recipients.

Lindsay White, RN, SANE-A, of Rushville received a $700 nursing scholarship. The scholarship was established in 2007 by Gayle and Ron Peterson of LaHarpe and is awarded annually to a student pursuing an RN degree. White is currently a student at Walden University where she is pursuing her Master’s Degree in Nursing. Lindsay works at MDH as a registered nurse and serves as a sexual assault nurse educator in Emergency Services. Her future career goals include nursing education.

Ashley Frederick, RN, of Good Hope is the recipient of the $500 Ruby Teel Health Career Scholarship. FrederickWestern Illinois University. Her future plans include working at MDH, and to pursue a Master’s Degree of Nursing with a special interest in Intensive Care. The Ruby Teel Scholarship was established in 2001 and is awarded annually to someone who plans to pursue or continue a career in health care. Ruby Teel was a nurse for over 40 years before retiring from MDH in 1993. Teel passed away in March of 2007. is currently working as a registered nurse in Acute Care at MDH while attending the Bachelor’s Degree of Nursing program at

Ashley Gooden, of Blandinsville was awarded a $500 nursing scholarship to an individual beginning or furthering a career in nursing. In 2004, the annual scholarship was established by an anonymous donor. Gooden is currently a student at Mennonite School of Nursing at Illinois State University in Bloomington where she is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree of Nursing. Ashley works at MDH as an Aide in Food Service. She plans to complete her degree and work as a registered nurse.

The Auxiliary Scholarship Fund, totaling $3,000, was distributed to the following recipients: Laura Brent, Susan Briggs, Victoria Dexter, Jessica Dobler, Tracy Ford, Frank Lung, Darlene Row, Patty Smith, Michelle Swearingen, and Katrina Young. This scholarship fund is made possible through interest from donations to the Auxiliary to MDH in memory or in honor of individuals.

For more information about health career loans and scholarships, please contact the MDH Auxiliary/Volunteer Services office at (309) 836-1579.

Pictured are (l to r): Ashley Frederick, RN, recipient of the $500 Ruby Teel Scholarship; Lindsay White, RN, SANE-A, recipient of the $700 Gayle and Ron Peterson Nursing Scholarship; and Ashley Gooden, recipient of the $500 Anonymous Nursing Scholarship.