PARK RAPIDS, MN (May 28, 2025) – CHI St. Joseph’s Health is investing in the future of rural healthcare by awarding $26,000 in scholarships to 26 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
- Allisann Kreger – Park Rapids Area High School
Brian Koria Scholarship – $1,000
- Alex Hillukka – Menahga Public School
- Olivia Kimball – Park Rapids Area High School
Graduating Senior Scholarship – $1,000
- Erin Hansen – Nevis High School
- Grace McNamee – Nevis High School
- Jasmyn German – Walker- Hackensack- Akeley
- Makayla Bennett – Walker- Hackensack- Akeley
- Vincent Honga – Menahga Public School
- Joie Koll – Menahga Public School
- Alea Tolkkinen – Menahga Public School
- Abby Hillukka – Menahga Public School
- Sylvia Hill – Menahga Public School
- Madison Laferriere – Park Rapids Area High School
- Addison Lauwagie – Park Rapids Area High School
- Natalie Berghuis – Park Rapids Area High School
- Thomas Lopez – Park Rapids Area High School
- Emma Berghuis – Park Rapids Area High School
- Bella Vinge – Park Rapids Area High School
- Kate Dravis – Park Rapids Area High School
- Isabel Nevala – Park Rapids Area High School
- Rachel Ulvin – Park Rapids Area High School
- Anna Yliniemi – Park Rapids Area High School
- Mckenzie Himango – Park Rapids Area High School
- Samantha Irene Stevens – Sebeka Public School 2
- Izabel Padgett-Tendrup – Laporte Public School
- Eleanor Kordiak – Laporte Public School
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.