McKenzie Medical Staff Scholarships Support Future Healthcare Professionals

Pictured (l-r): Megan Burgess MSN,FNP-C, Ava Parrott, Charlotte Ferguson, Victoria Shea, Nicole Krosnicki DNP,FNP-C

Supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals, McKenzie Medical Staff Merit Scholarships have once again been awarded to outstanding Sanilac County students pursuing careers in the healthcare field. Two students received a $1,000 scholarship, and one student was awarded a $500 scholarship.

Charlotte Ferguson, a graduate of Peck High School, received a $1,000 scholarship. Charlotte has been accepted to Baker College, Oakland University, Delta College, and the University of Saint Francis. She plans to pursue a healthcare career in radiologic technology, nursing, or diagnostic medical sonography.

During high school, Charlotte served as captain of her cheerleading team and was actively involved in numerous extracurricular activities, including Quiz Bowl, National Honor Society, Student Council, Drama Club, Marching Band, and Symphonic Band.

Victoria Shea, a graduate of Sandusky High School, also received a $1,000 scholarship. Victoria plans to attend Saginaw Valley State University this fall to pursue a degree in nursing, with the goal of continuing her education through a master's program to become a Certified Nurse Midwife and Nurse Practitioner.

Throughout high school, Victoria participated in the Health Occupations program at the Sanilac Career Center, competed in Academic Games, earned four varsity letters in bowling, and was recognized as a four-year academic scholar. She also competed at the state level through HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), earning third place in the Clinical Nursing category. Victoria currently works at McKenzie Health System as a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Ava Parrott, a graduate of Carsonville-Port Sanilac High School, received a $500 scholarship. As a first-generation college student, Ava plans to attend Saginaw Valley State University to pursue a degree in nursing and ultimately become a labor and delivery nurse.

Ava completed the Sanilac County Health Occupations program while in high school, earning her Certified Nursing Assistant certification. She maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout high school and served as Vice President of the National Honor Society. She was also an active member of the Youth Advisory Council (YAC).

The McKenzie Medical Staff Merit Scholarships are awarded annually to Sanilac County graduating high school seniors entering an accredited college or university and planning to become healthcare

professionals. Selection criteria include academic achievement, community service, leadership, and personal accomplishments.

“The future of healthcare is bright with students like Victoria, Charlotte, and Ava entering the field,” said Megan Burgess, MSN, FNP-C, Nurse Practitioner at McKenzie Rural Health Clinic and member of the McKenzie Medical Staff Scholarship Committee. “Each of these students has demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence, service, and helping others. We are proud to support them as they begin their healthcare journeys and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make in their communities.”

Information about the McKenzie Medical Staff Scholarship is available at www.mckenziehealth.org/about-us/scholarship.