Open Accessibility Menu
Hide

High School Students Goals of Health Care Careers Get a Boost

High School Students Goals of Health Care Careers Get a Boost

The Washington Health Service League is well known for its many dedicated volunteers, both adults and students, who work with the hospital’s staff to provide care and support to patients, families, and visitors.

What may not be as well known is that the Service League also supports our community by providing scholarships to those who wish to pursue a career in health care that live in the health system district. The Service League’s Scholarship Program, which has contributed to the training and education of many young people in the community, was established in 1961. The first nursing scholarship of $150 was awarded to a nursing student training at Highland Hospital.

During the last 69 years, the Service League has awarded a total of $391,905 in scholarships to deserving students. Now, the Service League grants two $1000 scholarships annually that are renewable for three additional years, based on the student’s academic performance and continued focus on the health care field and a one-time scholarship of $1000.

“Our volunteers enjoy working in the Hospital and helping patients and families, but it is also meaningful for them to give assistance and support to future doctors, nurses and other health care professionals in our community,” explained the Service League’s scholarship chair, Dian Zarzycki. “Meeting these impressive young people and learning about their past accomplishments and future goals is inspirational. The Service League of Washington Health is honored to play a small part in developing future health care providers.”

Laura Chen is the recipient of the four-year Katherine Fusco Health Career Scholarship. She is currently attending the University of California San Francisco, medical school. Initially trained in computer science and economics, Laura decided a stable income was not enough and decided that a medical career would be more fulfilling. In addition to her desire to become a physician, she also has a passion to educate others and serve her community. She is currently developing an AI literacy program.

Manas Basavaraju is the winner of our four-year Josephine Walton Health Career Scholarship. He will be attending University of California with a major in neurobiology with the goal of becoming a trauma physician. We were impressed by Manas’ empathy and perseverance. His ability to balance school and extracurricular activities while consistently volunteering also inspired us.

Marissa Almaguer is the recipient of the one-time Anna Elola Health Career Scholarship. She will be attending Californian State University, East Bay in the fall with the goal of becoming a nursing assistant. She has donated over 300 hours as a volunteer at Washington Health and says that her favorite part of volunteering is the sense of community that develops.

Christina Li was awarded the one-year $1000 Ruth Nelsen Memorial Health Career Scholarship. She is attending the UCLA School of Nursing and her dedication to patient care is evident.

Dillon Tjiptamustika was awarded the Joseph Imana Memorial Health Career Scholarship. He obtained a master’s degree in public health, but felt somewhat disconnected from the people he was helping. He is now pursuing a family nurse practitioner career. Dillon will be attending the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing in the fall.

Learn more

To find out more about the Washington Health Service League, including how you can become a volunteer, go to washingtonhealth.com/volunteer