The Rocky Hospital Auxiliary has awarded scholarships to two West Country students pursuing careers in health care.

Recipients include Carter Valentine who is a nursing student at Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP). Valentine received a $2000 scholarship.

Rosemary Brown, Lorna Beck, and Toby Jones presenting $2000 to Carter Valentine who is a nursing student at Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP). (Rocky Hospital Auxiliary)

Jillian Lawton also received a $2000 scholarship. Lawton is studying for a nurse practitioner accreditation.

Toby Jones and Rosemary Brown presenting $2000 to Jillian Lawton, who is upgrading from an RN to a nurse practitioner. (Rocky Hospital Auxiliary)

Rosemary Brown, bursary committee member says criteria for recipients includes academic achievement, volunteerism, and a prior commitment to study.

She adds, most recipients tend to be students who’ve completed some post-secondary, as is the case with the 2025 class; however, grade 12 students have received it in the past.

The money for the bursaries is made possible thanks to a number of fundraising events throughout the year.

Next up, the auxiliary’s popular Pumpkin Pie, Tea and Coffee fundraiser.

Residents are invited to a pleasant afternoon enjoying tea and dessert for a $6 donation.

The fundraiser goes Thursday Oct. 23 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at Memorial Presbyterian Church in Rocky Mountain House (5108 50 St).

(Rocky Hospital Auxiliary)

The awards have been given out since the 1960s and include many notable, current health care professionals as alumni, including Dr. Dolen Kirstein, currently practicing in Rocky Mountain House.

Other fundraiser efforts include the spring strawberry tea fundraiser as well as weekly bingo nights at Dovercourt Hall, and certain one-off fundraisers including BBQs.

In addition to the bursaries, the auxiliary raises money for needs at the hospital.

Lorna Beck, auxiliary member says items purchased includes new Broda chairs, keyboards, ice machines– anything that benefits patients at the hospital.