‘Friends of York Hospital’ awards 2022 Scholarships

YORK, Maine — The Friends of York Hospital Scholarship Committee announced that it has awarded scholarships to six local high school students in the class of 2022 to pursue careers in health care. Despite the ongoing pandemic and the many roadblocks posed to their normal educational and extracurricular activities, this year’s recipients persevered and distinguished themselves from their peers.

Committee co-chairs Judith McAllister and Sue Little wish these impressive and motivated students well on their remarkable journeys to improve our world. “We are excited and hopeful as we wait for their post-holiday updates—and humbled to help promote these futures with a focus on health, hope and healing.”

Chloe Baker, a graduate of Noble High School and a dual enrollment student at York County Community College, has embarked on her college career, majoring in Human Studies/Biology at the University of Southern Maine in Portland. Chloe, who has successfully completed EMT training, intends to apply to medical school after graduation from USM. Before COVID-19 ended all extracurricular activities, she was a member of the indoor track and softball teams. Not one to waste newly found free time, Chloe then enrolled in online courses at YCCC, which allowed her to graduate with 37 college credits. Her commitment to community service was equally impressive, as she served over 155 hours as a volunteer camp counselor for the Berwick Recreation Summer Camp. Impressed by her determination, the Director of Berwick Parks & Recreation said, “Chloe is the ideal American youth. She has commitment, motivation, and perseverance . . . is empathic, understanding and a confident, analytical thinker. Her guidance counselor adds, “What I find most impressive and notable, is Chloe’s pure passion for helping people.”

Ryleigh Baker graduated from Sanford High School and has chosen the University of Maine at Orono School of Nursing. Her ultimate career goal is to become a physician assistant. Many life experiences motivated Ryleigh to pursue a career in medicine, including frequent visits to her great-grandmother in the hospital and nursing home and a book on human anatomy she requested for Christmas at age seven, which quickly became weathered and dog-eared from constant reading. She chose to join the medical profession as soon as she could, earning her certified nursing assistant (CNA) license through the Health Occupations program at Sanford Regional Technical Center during junior year. She still found time to play lacrosse, and remain an active member of the Civil Rights, GSTA, and Environmental Clubs, while volunteering for both high school and middle school band events. “Ryleigh consistently demonstrates poise beyond her age, and the impressive ability to navigate personal, school and work responsibilities during a global pandemic,” said her supervising nursing unit manager. Her school counselor agrees, adding “she will not back down from a challenge, taking on the most difficult in order to reach her goals . . . Ryleigh is really a breath of fresh air.”

Alison Machinski, a graduate of Sanford High School, is enrolled in the dual-degree nursing program at Gordon College, in Wenham, Mass., where she will earn a BS with a major in biology and minor in psychology over three years. Over the subsequent 16 months, Alison’s course of study will concentrate on nursing courses, ultimately leading to a BS in nursing. In addition to maintaining a 4.0 GPA and earning a spot in the National Honor Society, Alison was a Peer Helper, member of the Homecoming Club and Future Educators of America, and sang soprano in the chorus. Those who know her will confirm that much of Alison’s motivation is faith-based, derived heavily from interaction with children in her community. In addition to participating in the High School Ministry, Youth Worship Team and Young Life, Alison served in her church’s children’s program, where “this hard-working and reliable young lady cared for, and created and implemented activities for children, infants to age nine,” said the Early Childhood Director for both the church and early learning center where she volunteered and worked. Her school counselor agrees, adding, “Alison is among the most caring and thoughtful kids I have ever worked with – smart with high marks. But her best qualities come through when she is dealing with children – she is trusted and cherished.” It makes sense that Alison plans for further education following college, in pursuit of her dream to become a postpartum nurse. There are lucky babies, moms and dads in her future.

Natalie Morgan is a graduate of Sanford High School, in her first semester at the University of Southern Maine School of Nursing. While at SHS Natalie received academic awards for swimming, field hockey and lacrosse, and earned membership in the National Technical Honor Society and the Perfect Attendance Award. Additionally, she volunteered in the High School Ministries, Worship Team and Young Life activities. Natalie completed the Health Occupations program at Sanford Regional Technical Center, earning high honors, along with her CNA license. This led to a satisfying and educational position at Pinnacle Health and Rehab in North Berwick, bringing Natalie closer to her college and career goals. Her supervisor lauds, “Natalie has been a valued member of our team, demonstrating commitment to her role and providing thoughtful attentive care to our residents during the COVID-19 outbreaks.” Always inquisitive and empathetic, she recalls younger days playing with friends, bringing out wraps, gauze, ice packs and a stethoscope to check them for injuries. It’s no surprise that Natalie’s school counselor offered such enthusiastic praise, saying, “Natalie is a great student . . . we need more people like her caring for our most vulnerable, sick and needy. She has a kind heart, sharp wit, and powerful ability to react positively under pressure.” Undoubtedly, Natalie, and all who know her, will continue to benefit from these attributes.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: ‘Friends of York Hospital’ awards 2022 Scholarships