NRH Volunteer Program Celebrates Scholarship Recipients 

(EMPORIA, KS) On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, members of the Newman Regional Health Volunteers met to award and celebrate their annual Healthcare scholarship recipients. Five students and their “biggest supporters” were guests at the hospital’s Conference Center.  

Scholarship Chair, Marcia Law, welcomed and addressed participants. “Congratulations on being selected as a recipient of the Newman Regional Health Volunteer Healthcare Scholarship! The time and thoughtful consideration in completing your application was greatly appreciated by the selection committee. Your scholastic achievement, personal references, community involvement and dedication to making a difference through a healthcare career is truly outstanding. You should be very proud of your accomplishments”, said Law.  

The NRH Volunteer program began in 1955 with a goal of serving the hospital’s staff, patients, and the Emporia community. In 1965, the Auxiliary awarded its first nursing scholarship. Since then, the volunteers have continued to support nursing students. However recently, their $3,000 scholarship has broadened beyond nursing to include any individual pursuing a career or additional training in any area of healthcare.  

This year’s 2025 NRHV Scholarship Recipients are:  

Morgan Davis, a junior attending Emporia State University. Working toward a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing, Morgan keeps busy with college classes, her Tri Sigma Sorority, as well as being employed at Newman Regional Health as a phlebotomist. She was inspired to enter healthcare because “I wanted to help people.” After having a family member pass away alone, during the pandemic, she wants to be “a nurse that I would’ve trusted” to be at her family member’s side.  

Natalie Duncan, entering the University of Kansas School of Medicine after completing her bachelor’s degree this past May. Upon receiving her M.D., Natalie’s goal as a physician is to “help others through changes in their lives and provide accepting spaces where they can be vulnerable and find non-judgmental support.”  

Piper Hall, a junior at the University of Kansas working on her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Human Biology and Pre-Dentistry. She has always been “fascinated by dentistry, oral health, and the science behind it all.” Her life goal is to “make this world light up a little more, one smile at a time.”  

Ryane Howe, a sophomore currently attending Emporia State University. Her goal is to become a Doctor of Pharmacy. ESU will allow her to focus on Chemistry, Biology and Organic Chemistry for now. Ryane’s interest in pharmacy was prompted by her mother’s medical challenges. “Knowing what modern medicine can do, it has inspired me to be the one to help others.”  

Samantha Pankratz, a freshman attending Emporia State University. Samantha currently works for Newman Regional Health and always aims “to put others before myself”. With plans to become an Emergency Room nurse, she has experienced the challenges that come from working in healthcare and it only gives her the drive to do more.  

Aileen Palomino received a special 75th Anniversary award. She will be a freshman attending Emporia State University. Upon earning a Bachelor of Science, Aileen plans to work in women’s health. Aileen’s interest in healthcare began watching her mother go through various health concerns. “I wanted that role of being a beacon of hope to women during their most vulnerable and life changing moment of their lives, just like someone was for my mom.”  

To date, the volunteers have provided more than $165,000 in financial aid awards. Today, they continue to serve Newman Regional Hospital by staffing information desks, helping with daily mail delivery and in the medical offices’ building. Their skillful assistance in the same-day surgery unit is well known; as is the hospital’s popular Snack Bar and Gift Shoppe.  

Various fundraisers and gifts received from Emporia’s Community Foundation Match Day program have greatly aided in making the annual NRHV Healthcare Scholarships possible. In addition to scholarships, the organization funds requested items and specialized equipment for hospital staff. 

Newman Regional Health Volunteers is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization which makes donations tax-deductible.  

If you are interested in becoming an NRH Volunteer, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Deborah Storrer at 620-343-6800, extension 22525 or email dstorrer@newmanrh.org