SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb., ― The Volunteers & Friends of Regional West recently awarded $35,000 in scholarships to area students pursuing healthcare careers.

Eighteen students received scholarships to further their educations at Western Nebraska Community College (WNCC), Regional West Medical Center School of Radiologic Technology, the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) College of Nursing, and the University of Nebraska, Omaha and Kearney. The one-year scholarships varied in amounts from $1,000 to $3,000.

Scholarship funds are raised through proceeds from the Gift Shop and the Emporium Express coffee cart at Regional West. Volunteer Services Director Ally Berggren said she’s grateful for the community’s patronage.

“Every year, we provide scholarships to first-year and current students. Our scholarship is one that students look forward to, and rely on, to help with their education,” said Berggren.

Sarah Josephine Arellano, Scottsbluff, earned a $1,500 scholarship. She is pursuing a Nurse Practitioner degree from the UNMC College of Nursing.

Adam Bell, Scottsbluff, was awarded a $2,000 scholarship. He is pursuing a Radiologic Technology degree from Regional West Medical Center School of Radiologic Technology.

Megan Bewley, Gering, was awarded a $2,000 scholarship. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the UNMC College of Nursing.

Timothy Birky, Scottsbluff, earned a $1,000 scholarship. He is pursuing a Radiologic Technology degree through the Regional West Medical Center School of Radiologic Technology.

Kathryn Friedrichsen, Alliance, earned a $2,000 scholarship. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the UNMC College of Nursing.

Allyssa Gonzales, Minatare, was awarded a $1,500 scholarship. She is pursuing a Radiologic Technology degree through the Regional West Medical Center School of Radiologic Technology.

Karly Hannah, Omaha, earned a $1,500 scholarship. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the UNMC College of Nursing, Kearney.

Nevaeh Hrasky, Scottsbluff, was awarded a $2,000 scholarship. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the UNMC College of Nursing, Kearney.

Kaitlyn Johnson, Alliance, earned a $2,000 scholarship. She is pursuing an Obstetrics and Gynecology degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha.

Hannah Lemmon, Gering, earned a $2,000 scholarship. She is pursuing a Radiologic Technology degree from Regional West Medical Center School of Radiologic Technology.

Maria Lidia Garcia Martinez, Scottsbluff, was awarded a $1,500 scholarship. She is pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and beginning her program at WNCC.

Maria Negreira, Scottsbluff, earned a $2,000 scholarship. She is pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice-Anesthesia degree and is beginning her program at WNCC.

Benjamin Okraska, Scottsbluff, was awarded a $2,000 scholarship. He is pursuing a Radiologic Technology degree from Regional West Medical Center School of Radiologic Technology.

Katelyn Ott, Morrill, was awarded a $2,000 scholarship. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the UNMC College of Nursing.

Cadence Schleicher, Mitchell, earned a $2,000 scholarship. She is pursuing a Histology or Laboratory degree from the University of Nebraska, Kearney.

Alyssa Spurgeon, Scottsbluff, was awarded a $2,000 scholarship. She is pursuing a Pediatric Emergency Medicine degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Steffi Geline Tactacan, Scottsbluff, was awarded a $3,000 scholarship. She is pursuing a Nurse Practitioner degree from the UNMC College of Nursing.

Sarah Wallace, Newell, South Dakota, earned a $3,000 scholarship. She is pursuing a Radiologic Technology degree through the Regional West Medical Center School of Radiologic Technology.

Volunteers & Friends of Regional West scholarships are awarded annually to students studying in medical fields. Application forms are available at the schools. Applications are due in June each year.

To learn more about volunteering at Regional West, visit https://www.rwhs.org/ways-give/volunteers-friends.

About Regional West

Regional West Health Services in Scottsbluff, Nebraska is the parent company of Regional West Medical Center, a 188-bed regional referral center celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024 and the only Level II Trauma Center in Nebraska west of Kearney. As the region’s sole tertiary medical center, Regional West features an expansive array of medical specialties and numerous physician clinics. Regional West offers comprehensive and innovative healthcare services for the people of western Nebraska and the neighboring states of Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming.