Alton Memorial is helping eight area high school graduates with Health Equity Scholarships in 2023.
This year’s winners are Anbrielle Blake, Eden Finger, Mowaysha Johnson and Katelyn Czarnecki of Alton High School; Kylee Golden and Dakota McDonnell of Civic Memorial High School in Bethalto; Thomas Haire of Collinsville High School; and Shelby Rainey of Granite City High School.
Anbrielle Blake
Anbrielle has been accepted to Southern Illinois University to study Human Physiology with an aim toward medical school. She was on the high honor roll at AHS and also received the Presidential Award for Academic Excellence. Anbrielle had her appendix removed at the age of 13, and the experience helped inspire her toward studying medicine.
“After the surgery, my surgeon gave me a picture of my inflamed appendix, and I felt nothing other than fascination,” she said. “I also want to work in the Ph.D field of molecular oncology and contribute to the fight to end breast cancer.”
Katelyn Czarnecki
Katelyn has been accepted into Western Illinois University and plans to study Music Therapy. She is a member of the National Honor Society and is an Illinois State Scholar. She plays the guitar and piano and is a member of the Chamber Singer Honors.
“Music has always been my passion, and I knew that I wanted to use it to help people,” Katelyn said. “I dedicated my high school years to doing extracurriculars that would help prepare me for this career path.”
Eden Finger
Eden has been accepted at Lindenwood University to study Pre-Nursing. She is interested in pursuing a career in OB/GYN nursing. She is a National Honor Society member and was in the Marching 100 band.
“I would like to help girls and women better understand their bodies as they
change and help them manage their health during major life events,” Eden said. “Young girls don’t always get the education they need to care for themselves. I’m interested in making sure that everyone who seeks OB/GYN health care receives the care they need.”
Kylee Golden
Kylee will attend Illinois College and plans to study Clinical Psychology. Kylee is a member of the National Honors Society and is an Illinois State Scholar. She is a part of the Mu Alpha Theta Math Honors Society, the Vice President of Spanish Club, and was a member of both the tennis and softball teams at CM.
“Ever since I was young, I have always enjoyed being there for others,” she said. “Whether it was my siblings, my mom, or any of my cousins, I
was always there when they needed a shoulder to cry on. I want to be able to help as many people as I can. I want to work in a variety of areas and help people from all types of backgrounds and situations. My main focus is to help children because they are the most vulnerable.”
Thomas Haire
Thomas will attend Fontbonne University and plans to become a nurse – and also a lawyer. He played both football and basketball at Collinsville High School and is an Honor Roll student.
“My short-term goal is to play football at the college level,” Thomas said. “However, my aspirations extend beyond football. In the long term, I aim to become a nurse and a lawyer and make a positive impact in my community. I believe that everyone deserves equal access to justice, and equal access to help in their health. I am committed to advocating for those who cannot do so for themselves. I am excited about the prospect of using my skills and education to make a meaningful difference in the world.”
Mowaysha Johnson
Mowaysha intends to pursue Nursing at either Lewis and Clark Community College or Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
“I want to help people to get adequate health care,” she said. “I want to be a part of their healing process and make a positive difference in the lives others.”
Dakota McDonnell
Dakota will attend SIUE and plans to study Psychology. He is active with the Boys and Girls Club of Bethalto and also assisted with a kindergarten class in the Bethalto School District his junior year at CM.
“I am interested in any therapeutic or pharmaceutical fields,” Dakota said. “I love helping people and these career fields would let me do that.”
Shelby Rainey
Shelby has been accepted at SIUE to study Nursing. She was on the Granite City High School High Honor Roll for four years and the Dean’s List in 2021-22. She was also in the marching band and won the Most Outstanding Musician Award in 2021. Shelby said her goal is to become a nurse anesthetist.
“I am incredibly fortunate to be where I am today,” she said. “My hard work and studies have taken me far in life, and I want to do even more for others by becoming a nurse. I would like to assist the community so they can live to see the next day and cherish the time they do have.”
Madison County high school seniors or recent high school graduates who are part of historically marginalized populations could apply to Alton Memorial for scholarships of up to $5,000 this spring. The scholarships could be renewable for up to three years beyond the initial term (up to four years total).
“As we continue our journey to improve health equality, it’s an honor to offer these scholarships to some of the brightest local youth to ensure they are able to pursue health care careers without a large financial burden,” said Brad Goacher, chief operating officer for Alton Memorial Hospital. “The funding for these scholarships is being made available from generous donations to the hospital from members of our community intended to support training and education.”
Seated above, left to right, are scholarship winners Eden Finger, Dakota McDonnell and Shelby Rainey, the others were unavailable for the group photo. Behind them are scholarship committee members and AMH leadership, left to right, Linda Chapman, Jessica Mossman, Brad Goacher, Dave Braasch, Dr. Juri McDowell, Rusty Ingram, Debbie Turpin and Cindy Bray.