Barton Auxiliary gives out scholarships to help those pursuing medical careers

Fourteen students from Lake Tahoe and Carson Valley received $19,500 in scholarships from the Barton Memorial Hospital Auxiliary for their academic achievement and plans to pursue a career in medicine or science.

“It is our hope to give a head start to our future doctors, nurses, physical therapists, medical techs, biologists, psychologists, and first responders,” says Joanne Donmoyer, an Auxiliary and Scholarship Committee member. "The medical and science professions are very important in Tahoe, and we would be so pleased if some of our young people returned and served our community.”
Scholarships were awarded to students from Douglas High School, George Whittell High School, Mt. Tallac High School, South Tahoe High School, and Lake Tahoe Community College. The students were recognized at the annual Barton Auxiliary Scholarship Luncheon at Teps’ Villa Roma on Monday, June 13.

Three students received $2,000 from the Dan Kerr Memorial Scholarship, a new scholarship in honor of the late Dan Kerr, a past Auxiliary present. Recipients included Alec Jobbins from South Tahoe High School, Kelsey Kjer from George Whittell High School, and Isaiah Sisk from Douglas High School.

In addition, eight students each received $1,500 from the Barton Memorial Hospital Scholarship. Recipients included Bailey Gansberg, Makayla Shaver, and Alexxaz Torres from Douglas High School; Kristen Harnett, Kylee Lyons, and Marin Underhill from South Tahoe High School; Mary Sanchez from George Whittell High School, and Juan Vasquez from Lake Tahoe Community College.

The Barton Hospital Auxiliary also awarded opportunity scholarships of $500 to students from Mt. Tallac High School who are continuing their education at a community college, continuing accredited education program, or trade school. This year’s recipients are Savana Bustos, Joselyn Rodriguez, and Carolana Welechenko.

Each year, the Barton Auxiliary gives time and money back the community. In 2015, Auxiliary volunteers donated 29,092 hours and raised $28,850.99 from The Attic and gift shop sales, holiday fundraisers, and personal donations.