Keishly Franco of Junction City, Kansas, and Kailyn Riffel of Lincolnville, Kansas are the 2015 recipients of a $500 LaVerne Allen Memorial Nursing Scholarship, according to Christine Jones, registered nurse and scholarship chairperson at Geary Community Hospital in Junction City.

Franco is a 2009 graduate of Junction City High School, a 2014 graduate of Kansas State University and is currently pursuing her bachelors of nursing degree at Baker University School of Nursing in Topeka. “My aunt was a nurse and I remember how interesting it was for me when she would explain the human body and different diseases that could happen,” stated Franco. “From there I knew my future would be in healthcare.”

Franco is married, teaches Sunday school, is a youth group treasurer, and currently works as a certified pharmacy technician.

Kailyn Riffel is a 2015 graduate of Centre High School and plans to attend Wichita State University this fall while pursuing her nursing degree. She graduated high school with a 3.83 GPA, was a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, FFA, SADD secretary, Class of 2015 treasurer, FBLA and the Centre High volleyball and girls basketball teams.

Riffel works part-time as a CNA at a retirement community. “The best feeling is when a resident you they appreciate everything that you have done for them. I am rewarded knowing that I am doing something that makes someone else feel better.”

LaVerne Allen was a dedicated registered nurse who worked at Geary Community Hospital for 61 years. The LaVerne Allen Memorial Nursing Scholarship was established by LaVerne’s granddaughter Amy to honor her grandmother’s contribution to the nursing profession with the thought of helping individuals achieve their goal of becoming a registered nurse and giving back to their community.

Donations to the LaVerne Allen Memorial Nursing Scholarship can be made to Geary Community Healthcare Foundation, P.O. Box 3015, Junction City, Kansas 66441.