For Grace Kirkemo, the path to becoming a nurse was shaped by both a passion for caring for others and a love of science.
"I decided to pursue nursing because of how this career combines caring and science," Grace shared. "I always knew growing up that I wanted to care for people, but I really love the science of nursing as well."
Her journey to nursing began at Harrisonville High School in Cass County, Missouri, where she says she received the academic training she needed to thrive in college.
“My education in Cass County helped prepare me to become a nurse by giving me a strong foundation to succeed in my classes,” she said.
Grace went on to study nursing at Olivet Nazarene University in Illinois, where she recently completed her degree. She received an annual scholarship from Cass Community Health Foundation for the four years she pursued her nursing degree. That four-year scholarship played a key role in her success.
“Receiving this scholarship for the last four years has helped me focus on my education and devote more time and energy towards studying, classes, and clinicals,” she explained. “Now that I have graduated, it has also helped me build a strong financial foundation as I look to begin my nursing career.”
Grace will soon put her education and training into practice as she begins her career working in the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) in Johnson County, Kansas. She is deeply grateful to the donors who made her scholarship possible—and hopes their generosity continues to impact future health care students.
“I am grateful for past donors who have given generously to both fund my education and to invest in the future of health care. It was such a big blessing for me, and I hope future students will continue to receive these scholarships.”
With the support of caring donors and the determination of students like Grace, the future of health care looks brighter than ever.
Cass Community Health Foundation is committed to support students like Grace. The foundation will continue to support additional local students from Archie High School, Belton High School, Midway High School, Drexel High School, Grandview High School, Harrisonville High School, Heartland Christian School, Pleasant Hill High School, Raymore-Peculiar High School, Sherwood Cass High School or Training Center Christian School. Students interested in nursing or other health related degrees can apply at casscommunityhealth.org/scholarships.
