Applications Now Being Accepted for the 2024 Kathleen Sheehan Memorial Scholarship

March 19, 2024

Applications for the 2024 Kathleen Sheehan Memorial Scholarship are now being accepted through May 30, 2024. This $1,000 scholarship award is given each year to a college student currently enrolled in an accredited health-related field of study program focusing on nursing, physical therapy, or occupational therapy. The student must reside in Carroll County, NH or Western Maine. 

The scholarship is in honor of Kathleen Sheehan, a long-time nurse for VNHCH. She was also the agency’s first hospice administrator and was influential in starting the program.

After Kathleen passed away from cancer, VNHCH staff wanted to honor her memory and all she did for the agency and the community. They came up with the idea of the scholarship. This idea was approved by the VNHCH board and has been in place since then.

Last year’s award went to Tamara Sayers of Tamworth. Sayers served as LNA for the agency for 15 years and recently completed her nursing degree at White Mountain Community College to become an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse).

Executive Director Sandy Ruka explained, “Every year we encourage college students to apply for this award as a way to recognize Kathleen and all she did for our community. Last year we awarded the scholarship to Tamara Sayers who was studying at the time to become an LPN. She had been a shining star working for us. We know she will be successful as an LPN in homecare. It is exactly the sort of outcome we dream of for our scholarship recipients.”

Candidates must submit an application form online by May 30, 2024, at https://www.vnhch.org/about/scholarship. Applications should include an essay and college transcript. Awards are based on scholastic ability, relevant work experience, demonstrated financial need and an essay on the student’s goals.