20 Bow Valley Students Awarded 2025 Health Care Scholarships
In only four years, the Bow Valley Health Care Scholarship Program has grown from 3 to 6 to 13 awards, and now 20 awards in 2025, investing $41,000 this year in local students pursuing health careers that strengthen care in the Bow Valley. Thanks to the generosity of just four donors, the Canmore Hospital Foundation, together with the Canmore Hospital Ladies Auxiliary, is proud to announce this year’s scholarships.
Since the program’s launch in 2022, 42 students have benefitted, each supported as they pursue education in fields like nursing, medicine, social work, recreation therapy, massage therapy, and community rehabilitation. Many of these students grew up here or now call the Bow Valley home, and their education will strengthen the future of health care in our community.
This year marks the largest group of recipients yet-a testament to both the interest in health careers among local youth and the generosity of the donors and partners who make these scholarships possible.
Meet the 2025 Scholarship Recipients (20)
Bronwyn Hepworth
Christopher Kirouac
Ellie Thompson
Galen Pearce
Isla Hawkins
Jackson Dierickse
Mason Wachter
Matteo Bergstrom
McKinley Procinsky
Ramandeep Kaur Maan
Rhea Funk
Samuel Hendry
Emiko Arai
Chloe Boucher
Elleri Dunn
Andrea Huber
Mikayla Hysert
Logan Moldenhauer
Zoe Ouimette
Olivia Peterson
Hearing from the Recipients
The impact of the scholarships can be felt in the students’ own words.
This scholarship means a lot because it eases the stress of finances and lets me focus on my goals without worrying about books or tuition costs.” — Bronwyn Hepworth, Therapeutic Recreation, University of Lethbridge
Giving up most of one’s annual income and the added cost of tuition, books, and supplies to return to school is a major sacrifice for any family. This scholarship helps to alleviate some of the financial burden on our family of four.” — Christopher Kirouac, Master of Nursing—Nurse Practitioner, University of Alberta
“It represents years of hard work and a challenging but rewarding growth period for me. The funds will allow me to focus all of my efforts on my studies as I transition to working more independently with patients in my final year,” said Galen Pearce, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, College of the Rockies.
Some students reflected on what it means to be recognized at home. “It means a lot to be chosen by my hometown as a representative of future health care workers,” said Logan Moldenhauer, who has just begun his medical studies.
“What makes this scholarship especially meaningful is that it comes from my home community. To be recognized and supported by the Canmore Hospital Foundation is both humbling and motivating. It strengthens my commitment to using my medical education to serve communities like ours in the future,” said Samuel Hendry, Medicine, UBC.
Others emphasized how the encouragement fuels their passion. “I can’t thank you enough for this opportunity,” said Mason Wachter, a massage therapy student. Ramandeep Kaur Maan, pursuing nursing, described the award simply: “It is an opening door for growth and my dreams.”
“Receiving this scholarship is an incredible honour and encouragement. It strengthens my resolve to give back by using my skills to support individuals and families navigating difficult transitions, whether through settlement services, mental health resources, or community programs.” — Zoe Ouimette, Bachelor of Social Work, Dalhousie University
Building the Future of Health Care
Why This Matters Here at Home
This year’s recipients are studying across Canada in diverse programs: nursing, medicine, therapeutic recreation, massage therapy, community rehabilitation, and social work. Many plan to return to the Bow Valley to serve their community, while others will carry their skills across the country. Together, they represent the next generation of compassionate professionals our community and our health system depend on.
The Bow Valley Health Care Scholarships highlight the Foundation’s role as a bridge between donor generosity and community needs. By supporting local students in their education, we are not only investing in individual futures but also ensuring that the Bow Valley will continue to have access to dedicated, highly skilled professionals in the years ahead.
Gratitude
Our heartfelt thanks to the Canmore Hospital Ladies Auxiliary and to the small group of visionary donors whose generosity made this year’s expansion possible. Thank you as well to every applicant, family member, educator, and community champion who encouraged these students along the way. Together, you are strengthening a circle of care in the Bow Valley.
Join the Circle of Support
Interest in the program grows each year, and we want to keep saying “yes” to every qualified applicant. If you or your business would like to fund a scholarship or contribute to the program’s sustainability, please contact Katie Macpherson, Interim Fund Development Specialist, at development@canmorehospitalfoundation.com or make a gift online at: canmorehospitalfoundation.com/donate
Congratulations
Congratulations to all 20 scholarship recipients. The future of health care in our valley is bright!
About the Canmore Hospital Foundation
The Canmore Hospital Foundation advances excellence in local health care by funding priority needs, programs, and initiatives that benefit patients and families in the Bow Valley. Learn more at canmorehospitalfoundation.com.