Five Area High School Students Earn Scholarships from Upland Hills Health

Five area high school students who are pursuing health careers received scholarships from Upland Hills Health and the Upland Hills Health Foundation. The five recipients for 2024 are Breanna Goninen, Mineral Point; Sophia Schraepfer, Hollandale; Alyson Melssen, Dodgeville; Trenton Owens, Barneveld; and Makaya McCarthy, Livingston. Scholarship applicants were asked to write a short essay on why they wanted to pursue a career in health care.

Breanna Goninen will pursue a nursing or physician’s assistant degree at the University of Dubuque. Inspired by her grandmother’s cancer journey, she said she “wants to make an impact on people’s lives in any way possible.”

Sophia Schraepfer will attend Edgewood College in Madison to become a radiologic technologist. Family members in the health field encouraged Sophia to pursue a health care career. It was after a family member was diagnosed with cancer when she knew it was the right choice for her. “I learned the importance of early detection and the life saving benefits of medical imaging,” she said in her essay.

Alyson Melssen experience as a volunteer in a nursing and rehabilitation center convinced her that she wanted to be a physical therapist. Working with residents, she realized she loved helping others. “I want to do something where I can help someone live better…to overcome challenges and regain their abilities,” according to Alyson. She will attend the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse.

Trenton Owens will attend the University of Wisconsin-Madison and major in pre-med or biomedical engineering. Trenton aspires to orthopedic medicine because of its “direct impact on individuals’ lives…and a steadfast dedication to serving my community. “

Makaya McCarthy is attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a major in pre-dental. “I was always eager to visit the dentist. It fascinated me to see dentists at work, caring for people’s health.” After she obtains her degree, Makaya hopes to return to this area.

Upland Hills Health President and CEO Lisa Schnedler emphasized the importance of helping area students reach their career goals.

“We are fortunate to have so many bright and committed young people interested in health care careers. Health care offers so many exciting opportunities for those who want to make a difference in other people’s lives,” Schnedler said. “We wish our scholarship recipients and all our young adults who will graduate from high school soon the best of luck in the future.”