In 2002, Stonewall Jackson Memorial Hospital created the M. William Adler Healthcare Scholarship to honor the late William Adler, a Weston businessman, historian, and long-time member of the SJMH board of directors.
The scholarship organizers knew that with Adler’s love of education and the local hospital, a scholarship was the perfect way to honor him.
Over the past decade, SJMH has awarded over $240,000 in healthcare scholarships to over one hundred local students. The funding is made possible by the annual golf tournament held at Stonewall Resort every October, this year planned for October 17.
This year, SJMH has chosen 10 students to receive the M. William Adler Scholarship. Students from Lewis and Gilmer counties are eligible for the prize, as well as children or grandchildren of SJMH employees.
Six students from Lewis County High School were chosen; two students from Gilmer County High School; and one student from Buckhannon/Upshur and Notre Dame High Schools respectively.
All of the students received the news at their awards ceremonies held on Friday, May 17.
Casey Hamner, the son of Sean and Carla Hamner, of Rock Cave is a recipient of the annual M. William Adler scholarship. He plans on attending Glenville State for a degree in physical therapy. He has been a member of youth government throughout his high school career and was a member of football, baseball, and basketball. He also coaches youth basketball and umpires little league baseball. He noted, “I had therapy through my junior year in high school. This is when I realized I wanted to be able to help people obtain the progress they needed.”
Ryan Blake is the son of Perry and Jennifer Blake, of Valley Chapel, Weston, with plans to attend WV Wesleyan for a degree in nursing. He was a SJMH Health Ambassador for several years; a member of FFA; theatre; and yearbook during his senior year. He volunteered for the American Red Cross and received several special honors during his high school career. He was drawn to healthcare for a simple reason and wrote, “My infancy and childhood were plagued by serious health complications and I was drawn to healthcare workers who treated me, creating strong and trusting relationships.”
Carlee Burnside, the daughter of Lee and Tina Burnside, of Valley Chapel Road, Weston. She plans on attending David and Elkins College in biology. She was an officer on the National Honor Society, captain of the LCSH Girls Soccer team; mayor at Rhodendron Girls State; and student of the month. She was on the principal’s list honor roll, and attained perfect attendance. She plans on becoming a physical therapist and concreted that goal through her work in the SJMH Health Ambassadors program. She wrote, “I have shadowed the physical therapy department multiple times and know that working in this field would be very rewarding.”
Kylee Coffield is the daughter of Lee Ann and the late Junie Coffield of Weston. She plans on attending Fairmont State University for a degree in nursing. She was a member of Honor Society, student council, national Art Honor Society, and Channel 3. She was also involved volleyball, powder puff and the pumpkin drop. She was student of the month, attained perfect attendance, received an academic letter, was student of the month, and on the honor roll.
Abigail Conrad is the daughter of Angela Conrad of Weston. She plans on attending WVU to receive a degree in physical therapy. She was involved in many, many organizations and activities at the high school. Her service to community included organizing coat drives; pet food drives; assisting with a Christmas party for elementary school children; and arranging for Youth Alive to provide Valentines at Crestview Manor. Her other interests included the LCHS band as the clarinet section leader during marching season and first chair clarinet for concert band.
Brice Johnston is the son of Tim and Theresa Johnston of Berlin Road. He plans on attending WVU majoring in immunology and medical microbiology. He was an honor society member, 4-H member ESI club treasurer, and special honors for SAT score recognition and a national award for energy and power. He noted that a life-long blood disorder led to his interest in science and eventually a career choice in medicine. He wrote, “with the help of this scholarship these dreams could be achieved and allow me to assist others.”
Seanna Stump, the daughter of Marcie Stump, of Jane Lew, and Charles Stump, of Weston, plans on attending Glenville State College for a degree in biology and chemistry. Seanna was extremely involved during her high school career as a member of the chemistry club, varsity volleyball member and captain, theater member, prom committee, student council, Interact, National Honor Society, honor roll, principal’s list, Big Ten First and Second team, and student of the month to name a few activities. She has set her goals for her healthcare career and wrote, “I am passionate about healthcare and someday I will receive a medical degree and become a pathologist. I want to make a difference in healthcare.”
Marinna Heath attends Notre Dame High School in Clarksburg and is the daughter of Michael and Joyce Heath of Roanoke. She plans on attending WVU to attain a degree in nursing. She was a member of 4-H as an officer; Key Club treasurer; National Honor Society member; Mayor’s Youth Council; and member of RAZE, SADD, and variety tennis. She served her community through work as a hospital volunteer, Salvation Army volunteer, blood drive organizer, UNICEF fundraiser, and more. She chose a nursing career path because of the joy she received when working at a local hospital as a volunteer.
Gilmer County High School students Kollin Chase Steel and Hannah Grove are recipients of the annual M. William Adler Healther Scholarship. It will provide $1000 for the first year, $500 each semester, and as long as the student keeps a 3.0 and is registered in healthcare, they could continue to receive the monies for the next three years.
Kollin is the son of Lisa Stewart and the late Kevin Steele. He plans on attending Glenville State for a major in pre-med. He was extremely involved in many things in high school including Student Council treasurer, cross country captain, basketball captain, track team co-captain, and golf team co-captain. He participated in basketball, track, corss country, golf and the school’s broadcasting team. He was honored as a member of the math honors society, and was number three in state for long jump and competed for four years at state-level track. He had many jobs including lifeguard, pool manager, cook, and lawn maintenance.
Hannah Grove is the daughter of Glen Gove of Cox Mills, and Rebecca Grove of Glenville and plans on attending WVU-Parkersburg for a degree in nursing. She was a member of student council, prom committee, and yearbook. She is a member of the math honors club and honor roll. Her career choice was simple, and she wrote, “My mother is a single mother who is a registered nurse. Her love and dedication to may life has been so impactful that I want to give back to her.”
One of the main fundraisers for the scholarship is the annual Charity Golf Tournament held each year. This year the tournament will be on Thursday, October 17 at Stonewall Resort at Roanoke, WV. Individual players should donate $100 per player. However, businesses can also sponsor holes for parts of the tournament. For more information on the tournament and scholarship call Julia Spelsberg, at 304-269-8167.
