LaVerne Allen Nursing Scholarships Awarded

l-r: Charity Hensley, MSN, RN, Practice Management; Brittney Engel, BSN, RN, Emergency Department Nurse Manager; Ryan Coffman; Alicia Sorensen, MSN, RN, Director of Critical Care Services; Madisyn Riffel; and Dawn Engel, MBA, BSN, RNC-OB, Chief Nursing Officer. Not pictured: Debra Jacobsen, RN, Women’s Center.

NEWS RELEASE

The GCH LaVerne Allen Memorial Scholarship committee is pleased to announce Ryan Coffman and Madisyn Riffel as the recipients of the 2017 LaVerne Allen Memorial Nursing Scholarship.

Madisyn Riffel, a 2017 graduate of Abilene High School, plans to attend Fort Hays State University in the fall to pursue a nursing degree. Madisyn currently works as a Certified Nurse Aide and a Dietary Aide for Memorial Hospital in Abilene. “For as long as I can remember, I have always had a concern for others and tend to put their needs before my own,” said Madisyn. “I really took an interest into nursing a few years ago when I began taking biology courses. I researched the pathway and discussed my options with several family-friends who are nurses. I continue to fall in love with the rewarding task of being a caretaker, an assistant and a friend to patients.”

Ryan Coffman, a 2017 graduate of Junction City High School, plans to attend Washburn University in the fall to attain her nursing degree and eventually become a Certified Nurse Midwife. Ryan currently works for Geary Community Hospital as a Certified Nurse Aide in the Women’s Center. Ryan stated “I was born with the desire to become a nurse. I believe it is in my genes since both of my parents have served and protected the public for over 25 years each. Perhaps nursing is my way to feel the joy of public service in my heart. I looked up to LaVerne Allen, being her neighbor throughout my childhood was a learning experience. Mrs. Allen showed me compassion, love and responsibility while she was frequently looking after me. When she passed, I knew I wanted to put as much love and compassion into everything just like her.”

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.

Each recipient will receive $500 for the 2017-18 school year. Donations to the LaVerne Allen Memorial Nursing Scholarship can be made to the Geary Community Healthcare Foundation, P.O. Box 3015, Junction City, Kansas 66441.