The Blanchard Valley Health System Auxiliary scholarship application period is open and applications are available online to students in the Hancock County area planning to pursue a health-related career or field of study. 

The purpose of the Auxiliary Scholarship is to financially assist local high school seniors in pursuing a health-related career. Heather Schalk, volunteer services manager, said that profession could range from dental hygienist to nurse to physician.

This year, 10 students will be awarded a one-time $1,000 scholarship. The scholarships are funded through the annual Auxiliary membership dues.

“Our Auxiliary members work hard to raise funds to help BVHS through sales at the Blanchard Valley Hospital and Bluffton Hospital gift shops and the Nearly New secondhand shop,” Schalk said. “The money generated through those efforts goes back to fulfilling the organization’s mission. Auxiliary members wanted to do something separate for the community, so they created this scholarship funded through their dues.”

“Members of the committee reviewing these applications have a background in education and find it rewarding to help young members of our community who are exploring healthcare careers,” Schalk said. “We receive so many great applications each year. It’s especially meaningful to read the personal statements, which demonstrate how much passion local young people have for helping others by pursuing health-related careers.”

In addition to making a difference in each scholarship recipient’s life, Schalk said the scholarship also helps sustain the field of healthcare in the region.

“Some past recipients have come back to BVHS to start their careers after graduation,” Schalk said. “We know that Northwest Ohio will need these dedicated healthcare professionals in the future. So, providing scholarships to these individuals also serves as an investment in our community’s workforce.”

To be eligible, an applicant must be a senior in high school attending a school located in Hancock County and/or a health profession student at Millstream Career Center. All necessary portions of the application must be completed online no later than April 15, 2025.

For additional information or to view the application, please visit www.bvhealthsystem.org/auxiliary-scholarship

The Auxiliary is always open to new members interested in volunteering. Please visit www.bvhealthsystem.org/volunteers for more information.