Niagara Health Foundation is pleased to announce the recipients of three Niagara Health Foundation donor-funded scholarships. Stephan Oreskovich (Niagara Falls), Kaitlyn Palmateer (Pelham) and Ryan Stark (Welland) will receive a total of $8,000 in their first year of studies. The awards are renewable to a possible total of $22,500 over four years.
Stephan was awarded $18,000 over three years ($6,000 per year) through the “Dr. Laszlo Kuharik and Maria Kuharik Memorial Scholarship.” Stephan earned a Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Science (MSc) degree at McMaster University. Stephan is now a first-year medical student at the University of Ottawa as he studies to become a doctor. When asked why Stephan applied for the scholarship, he told us he was inspired “When I read about Dr. Kuharik and was how well recognized he was in the community not only for being a great doctor but for also being a great person. The impact Dr. Kuharik had on people throughout his 35-year practice in Welland is what I aspire to for my own medical career. I want to treat a person as a person, not merely a patient.”
Kaitlyn Palmateer was awarded $1,000 for her first year of post-secondary through the “Welland Hospital Site Tuition Scholarship.” Kaitlyn’s award is renewable up to a total of $4,000 as she completes her studies.
Kaitlyn has always been fascinated with biochemistry and will be focusing on vaccine research during her medical science degree at Western University. She is also a varsity cross-country runner at Western. Kaitlyn has a very personal reason why she is pursuing a degree in health sciences; “I spent three months at McMaster Children’s Hospital when I was in Grade 8. My teachers didn’t give me any school work to do, and I got bored. I found myself fascinated by everything I saw around me in the hospital. So I asked a lot of questions. A lot of questions.”
Ryan Stark was awarded $500 for books and other necessary resources as he completes his 1st year of studies at Brock University through the “Dr. Ken Hope Memorial Book Award.” Ryan is a first-year Kinesiology student and hopes to focus on physiotherapy as his specialization. Ryan was thankful for the award and said, “I would encourage students to go for it and to apply for this scholarship for sure. I learned a lot about myself, and it solidified that this is what I want to do and why I chose Kinesiology – to help others.” Ryan hopes to be a physiotherapist for the Toronto Raptors one day and says, “why not dream big?”
In 2020, Niagara Health Foundation awarded three donor-funded scholarships. “We are so happy to help aspiring medical professionals from Niagara. These are some very motivated and compassionate young people in our community, and many of them talk about finishing their studies and planting roots in Niagara to practice. As the Foundation, we cannot wait to watch them grow and we know that they will help support a healthier Niagara.” Andrea Scott, Interim President & CEO – Niagara Health Foundation
For more information on the scholarships and the recipients
Interviews of each recipient are attached to this release. Information on the scholarships, application process and deadline can be found at https://niagarahealthfoundation.com/About-Us/Scholarship-Program.aspx
About Niagara Health Foundation
Niagara Health Foundation raises funds to support Niagara Health for the advancement of healthcare in Niagara. Supporting Niagara Health in its mission, Niagara Health Foundation raises funds for priority equipment needs, redevelopment projects and patient programs at Niagara Health’s five sites, located in Welland, Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, Port Colborne, and Fort Erie.
