The Manhattan Community Health Foundation, in partnership with Ascension Via Christi Hospital Manhattan, is proud to announce the recipients of this year’s scholarship program. This initiative is designed to support aspiring healthcare professionals in high-demand fields, helping to ensure our community has access to compassionate and skilled care for years to come.
This year, we are thrilled to recognize Tameka Edwards and Natali Drake, both employees at Ascension Via Christi, who have each been awarded a $10,000 scholarship to complete their Registered Nurse education at Manhattan Area Technical College.
Tameka, a Patient Care Technician, is driven by her passion for providing “holistic and compassionate care” and leaving a positive impact on everyone she meets. Natali, an Emergency Department Technician, is inspired by her desire to help people and her long-term goal of becoming a well-rounded nurse in many different fields.
“We are incredibly proud to support Tameka and Natali as they pursue their dreams of becoming nurses. Their commitment to our hospital’s mission and their passion for patient care made them ideal candidates. This scholarship is an investment not only in their futures but also in the future of healthcare in our community.”
Andy Ellis, Board Chair
In the last four years, the Foundation has invested $120,000 in scholarships to 12 deserving recipients. This scholarship program is a testament to our commitment to a healthy future for Manhattan.
Learn More About Tameka’s Journey
I want to be a well-rounded nurse, one who is compassionate and looks at the whole picture, not just a diagnosis. My goal is to provide care that considers everything a patient is going through, making sure they feel seen and understood. My family and husband are my biggest cheerleaders. When I get discouraged, they remind me it’s okay just to pass and that everything will be fine. I’ve also met some of the kindest nurses in my orientation at the hospital. They are so supportive, literally holding my hand and teaching me. I’ve learned so much from the way they go above and beyond for their patients. When I need to relax and forget about everything, I love to go to Uncorked to paint with my husband or a colleague. And of course, while we’re there, we have to get a taco from Taco Lucha!
Learn More About Natali’s Journey
My ultimate goal is to become the best nurse I can be and help people in different capacities throughout my life. Becoming an emergency department nurse is an exciting first step. After I gain valuable experience, I want to continue my journey by becoming a paramedic and a tactical medic one day. I also hope to eventually become a school nurse to educate people and serve my community. My coworkers have been my biggest cheerleaders. They’ve been so supportive and have been educating me along the way, sharing little tidbits of information and helping me get through everything. My husband and I have made our apartment into a really cool home. We love collecting and creating things. Our apartment is getting to the point where it looks like an “I Spy” book”—it’s full of cool stuff.
Learn More & Apply!
The scholarship application period runs from February 1 to April 30 each year. We encourage all eligible candidates to apply. For more information, please visit HealthyMHK.org or contact Chris Spooner at [email protected].
Contact:
Chris Spooner, Foundation Director
Manhattan Community Health Foundation
785-587-5462