PARK RAPIDS, MN (May 28, 2026) – CHI St. Joseph’s Health Foundation is investing in the future of rural healthcare by awarding $20,000 in scholarships to 20 students from Park Rapids and surrounding communities of Nevis, Menahga, Sebeka, Laporte, Walker-Hackensack-Akeley. These scholarships will support their pursuit of healthcare careers and help address the growing need for medical professionals.
The scholarship program reflects CHI St. Joseph’s Health’s dedication to strengthening rural healthcare by cultivating local talent. By providing financial assistance to aspiring healthcare professionals, the program aims to encourage them to return to their communities and address the critical need for skilled medical providers.
“These scholarships are an investment in the future of our communities,” said Ben Koppelman, President of CHI St. Joseph’s Health. “We are proud to support these dedicated students as they pursue their healthcare careers and contribute to the well-being of our neighbors and families.”
The scholarships are made possible through the annual Gathering on the Greens Golf Benefit, which supports the CHI St. Joseph’s Health Foundation and Hospice Care. Generous contributions from CHI St. Joseph’s Health employees, along with memorial gifts honoring the legacies of Laurie Hohnstadt, a dedicated nurse, and Brian Koria, a valued Health Unit Coordinator/Nursing Assistant, also contribute to the program.
This year’s scholarship recipients are:
Laurie Hohnstadt Scholarship – $1,000
McKenna Weaver – Park Rapids Area High School
Brian Koria Scholarship – $1,000
Shanna Skoog – Menahga Public School
Graduating Senior Scholarship – $1,000
Macey Morris – Laporte Public School
Taliea Honga – Menahga Public School
Lydia Hawn – Home School
Kaydence Lake – Menahga Public School
Grace Bakke – Menahga Public School
Elliot Harris – Nevis High School
Alessia Harmon – Park Rapids Area High School
Makia Eischens – Park Rapids Area High School
Grace Etter – Park Rapids Area High School
Grace Officer – Park Rapids Area High School
Andrew Johanning – Park Rapids Area High School
Sarah Hartung – Park Rapids Area High School
Janae Torma – Park Rapids Area High School
Olivia Brunell – Sebeka Public School
Vyolette Lysne – Sebeka Public School
Miley Westberg – Sebeka Public School
Faith Olson – Sebeka Public School
Victoria Pederson – Walker-Hackensack-Akeley
CHI St. Joseph’s Health extends its congratulations to all the scholarship recipients and wishes them success in their academic endeavors. We are excited to see the positive impact they will have on healthcare in our communities.
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- Elliot Harris – Nevis High School
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- Vyolette Lysne – Sebeka Public School, Olivia Brunell – Sebeka Public School, Faith Olson – Sebeka Public School & Miley Westberg – Sebeka Public School
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- 2026 Scholarship Winners