Each year, the Clara Barton Foundation awards scholarships to applicants interested in pursuing a degree in the medical field. These scholarships have been funded through scholarship endowments that have been established over the years. This year, the foundation awarded 10 scholarships, totaling $7,500.
The Verda Lane scholarship was made possible through an endowment established by her family in honor of her years of dedicated nursing service. This scholarship supports students in their academic journey toward becoming Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) graduates, or pursuing a Doctorate in Nursing. This year, the Verda Lane scholarship was awarded to Ava Thill of Ellinwood, Khloe Schneweis of Hays, and Madelynn Gregg and Emilee Hall, both of Great Bend.
- Ava Thill: Graduate of Ellinwood High School (Class of 2025). Currently enrolled in the Nursing Program at Barton Community College. Plans to become a Licensed Practical Nurse in the first year, and a Registered Nurse in her second year, pursuing a career in Labor and Delivery.
- Khloe Schneweis: Graduate of Hoisington High School (Class of 2022). Currently working as a CNA at Ascension Living Via Christi Village in Hays and enrolled in the Nursing Program at Fort Hays State University. Plans to graduate as a nurse with interest in the OR, dermatology, or plastic surgery/med spa– considering starting her nursing career in the Hoisington area.
- Madelynn Gregg: Graduate of Great Bend High School (Class of 2023). Recently graduated from Barton Community College as an RN with an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science. Plans to graduate in 2026 with a BSN from Chamberlain College of Nursing. Ultimately, plans to pursue a Doctorate and return to Barton County as a Nurse Practitioner – working in either Family Medicine or Labor and Delivery.
- Emilee Hall: Graduate of Great Bend High School (Class of 2024). Currently working as an LPN at Clara Barton Medical Center while attending Barton Community College. Plans to get her Associate’s Degree in Applied Science and continue on to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program. Would ultimately like to return locally to begin her nursing career.
The Jonathan Witt Scholarship supports students planning to pursue a healthcare professional curriculum. This scholarship is the oldest scholarship offered, having been continually awarded since the formation of the Hospital Auxiliary organization in the 1950’s. The auxiliary members voted to rename the scholarship in 2004 and established an endowment with the Foundation in honor of Jonathan Witt, son of Dr. Dan and Sandi Witt. This year, the scholarship was awarded to Liza Fuentes (Ward) of Wichita.
- Liza Fuentes: Graduate of Hoisington High School (Class of 2019). Currently enrolled at Kansas Health Science University – Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Wichita – graduating in the spring of 2028. Plans to pursue surgical residency, continue her training in Kansas, and return to the area to serve the community as a surgeon.
The Sadie Stalcup Scholarship was established in recent years to honor Sadie Stalcup, a long-time nurse at Clara Barton Hospital. This year, the scholarships were awarded to Chandra Ehler of Hoisington, Bryce Steffan of Ellinwood, and Shaylee Leiker of Ellsworth.
- Chandra Ehler: Graduate of Hoisington High School (Class of 2021). Graduated from the Registered Nurse Program at Barton Community College in May 2024. Currently enrolled at Fort Hays State University in the RN to BSN Program with plans to graduate in May 2026.
- Bryce Steffan: Graduate of Ellinwood High School (Class of 2025). After participating in an early college program, he’s currently enrolled at Fort Hays State University and will graduate with his Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2027. Expects to attend medical school afterward and ultimately return to Barton County as a physician.
- Shaylee Leiker: Graduate of Ellsworth High School (Class of 2021). Graduated from Kansas State University in May 2025 with a major in Kinesiology and Gerontology. Currently enrolled at Rockhurst University to obtain a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy – expecting to graduate in 2027.
The Dr. Robert Moore Scholarship was established at the request of the late Dr. Moore’s family to assist employees of Clara Barton Hospital with their continuing education. This year, the scholarships were awarded to Erin Babcock of Timken and Morgan Beckwith of Great Bend.
- Erin Babcock: Currently a Certified Surgical Technician at Clara Barton Medical Center and enrolled at Barton Community College. Plans to complete the Nursing Program at Barton Community College and continue her education to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
- Morgan Beckwith: Former graduate of Great Bend High School. Currently a CNA at Clara Barton and enrolled in the BSN Program at Fort Hays State University. Plans to work as an ER Nurse at Clara Barton after graduating, before continuing her education to become a Nurse Practitioner.
If you would be interested in making a contribution to any of these endowments or to the Clara Barton Foundation, please visit www.clarabartonhospital.com, contact the Foundation at 620-292-0814 or mail your tax-deductible contribution to P.O. Box 25 Hoisington, Kansas 67544.
