MT. VERNON – SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital Auxiliary recently hosted its annual scholarship awards dinner. Scholarships are given to students pursuing a career in health care and are selected by the Auxiliary Scholarship Committee.
These scholarships were awarded to students pursuing a career in health care. A total of $16,500 in scholarship funds was awarded to these local students.
“This is where success begins at a local level. We believe in investing in our community, students, and employees to help keep the best and brightest talents right here in Southern Illinois,” said Derek Shaw, Director of Volunteer Services & Guest Relations at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon.
The 2025 SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship recipients include:
• Lainey Hails, a future Neonatal Registered Nurse (RN), who will be attending Murray State.
• Carter Belangee, a future RN, who will be attending Kaskaskia College.
• Kylee Breese, a future Pediatric Medical Doctor (MD), who will be attending Southern Indiana University.
• Blake Brown, a future dentist, who will be attending Rend Lake College.
• Zaejah Buchanan, a future RN, who will be attending St. Louis University.
• Zuri Das, a future Optometrist, who will be attending the University of Illinois.
• Jayla Dees, a future RN, who will be attending Rend Lake College.
• Nevaeh Jones, a future Respiratory Therapist, who will be attending Kaskaskia College.
• Sophia Owens, a future RN, who will be attending Southern Illinois University.
• Cassidy Shook, future Pediatric Occupational Therapist, who will be attending Southeastern Missouri State University.
Every year, the Auxiliary at SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital accepts applications from students pursuing careers in health care. This program offers a total of ten scholarships worth $1,500 each, as well as one $1,500 Warren-Hollar Scholarship specifically designated for SSM Health employees or past employees’ children or grandchildren.
