A new generation of healthcare workers are on the horizon at Mason Health. Now in its second year, Mason Health recently awarded scholarships to a record number of Shelton High School Health Sciences Academy students, jumpstarting their education and career in the healthcare field. Whether working towards becoming a nurse or phlebotomist – both vital roles in a rural healthcare setting – these scholarship recipients will be welcome additions to the Mason Health community.
Mason Health Scholarship Program Expands, Jumpstarting a Record Number of Healthcare Careers
Mason Health has spent many years developing a partnership with the Shelton School District to create an employment pipeline, including a scholarship program for students graduating from Shelton High School’s Health Sciences Academy. In 2022, three Health Science Academy graduating seniors received scholarships towards degrees or certifications in the healthcare field. This year (2023), the number of recipients tripled, with nine Health Sciences Academy students receiving full-ride scholarships.
The Health Sciences Academy at Shelton High School helps students prepare for a career in a healthcare field. One of several academies available at Shelton High School, coursework is geared toward medically relevant subjects and students can take courses in topics like patient care, human body systems and sports medicine. Academy students may also have additional opportunities to make connections within the community, including with potential future employers.
“First and foremost, today’s student needs to be really engaged and know the purpose of what they’re seeking,” explains Wyeth Jessee, superintendent of Shelton School District. “It’s not like the way it used to be, more liberal arts education and just taking courses. So now, that’s exactly what they’re seeking and that’s exactly our academies. We have five academies at Shelton High School. The coursework, the experiences, the conversations for the students, is really centered on some areas of industry and fields of study, so that they can take that and figure out where they’re at.”
The Shelton Community Comes Together to Support and Celebrate Mason Heath Scholarship Recipients
Scholarship recipients were officially welcomed to the Mason Health community through a reception during Mason Health Week in May, with scholarship recipients, their family, and representatives from Mason Health and the Shelton School District in attendance. Jessee is glad to see growth from this partnership with Mason Health that both helps to support students and the greater community.
“This is really a recognition and celebration for nine outstanding scholars from Shelton High School who have been part of our Health Sciences Academy,” says Jessee. “It’s just an amazing opportunity to celebrate them with their families.”
In addition to helping students begin their healthcare careers, these scholarships also are helping to cultivate a new generation of healthcare workers that are local to Mason County. Once scholarship recipients have completed their respective programs, they will be offered a job at Mason Health, if there is a vacant position. This year’s recipients will be working toward a range of healthcare careers, including registered nurse, medical assistant, certified nursing assistant and phlebotomist.
Phlebotomy scholarship recipients for this year are Dolores Andres-Gervacio, Anthony Castaneda Martin, Pedro Jimenez and Milo Young. Registered nursing scholarship recipients are Wyatt Anthis, Henry Gomez Cruz and Heaven Smith. The medical assistant program recipient is Olivia Henry and the certified nursing assistant program recipient is Feona Caxhandra Suson Medina.
Students at Shelton’s Health Sciences Academy Are Set To Begin Their Healthcare Career Through Scholarship Program
Wyatt Anthis received a scholarship that will help him work toward a career as a registered nurse. Anthis credits his mother, who is a nurse, as inspiration to apply for the Mason Health scholarship. “I have a lot of family that’s in healthcare,” says Anthis. “And so, it’s always been at the forefront of job opportunities, as well as having a lot of benefits to it. So, it’s always been a great choice.”
With previous experience in the Running Start program, Anthis already has familiarity with the structure of college courses and he is excited to continue his healthcare education in that format.
Pedro Jimenez is a recipient of the phlebotomist scholarship from Mason Health. He is excited to meet new people through a career in healthcare and to begin training in the field. The idea of a healthcare career is a more recent development for Jimenez, but after reflection on his future after graduation from the Health Sciences Academy, he realized this scholarship program would be a great opportunity. “I applied to this scholarship because I was really fascinated by the hospital,” explains Jimenez. “I wanted to get into college, but the fees are, of course, really expensive. So, once I saw it was an all-paid scholarship, I was very intrigued and wanted to know more.”
Henry Gomez Cruz first heard of the Mason Health scholarship through working with his advisory teacher. Cruz applied and received a scholarship that will help him to become a registered nurse. Cruz is excited to become part of the healthcare field as he graduates from the Health Sciences Academy and starts his new venture in a nursing program. Cruz also offers encouragement for younger students to continue working toward their dream.
“A lot of the kids that are in school right now, just make sure that they don’t give up,” says Cruz. “It’s amazing to be here, but it’s also a big process. Big process, and sometimes it could be difficult. Sometimes we could say, ‘Well, I can’t do it anymore,’ but just make sure, don’t give up. Go for it, and just in case you don’t get what you wanted, but at least you tried. That’s my advice to everyone.”
To learn more about Mason Health community partnerships, future events, or about the scholarship program, visit the Mason Health website.
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