Ten Future Healthcare Leaders Receive Greene County Medical Center Scholarships

JEFFERSON, Iowa – From future nurses and lab professionals to students pursuing human services and biology degrees, 10 local students are taking the next step toward careers in healthcare with the help of the Greene County Medical Center Foundation and Auxiliary scholarship programs.

“We are proud to support students who are choosing careers dedicated to caring for others,” said Foundation Director, Nancy Houska. These scholarships represent an investment not only in the students themselves, but in the future of healthcare in our rural communities. It’s encouraging to see so many young people committed to making a difference.”

The 2026 scholarships were awarded to students across Greene County Medical Center’s service area, including high school seniors, current college students and a Greene County Medical Center employee who is continuing her education. In all, 13 applications were received with seven $1,000 scholarships and three $500 scholarships awarded to students committed to serving the future of healthcare.

Recipients of the 2026 Greene County Medical Center Foundation and Auxiliary scholarships include:

• Breanna Ades of Jefferson, a Greene County High School graduating senior. She will attend Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, majoring in nursing.

• Bailey Biggart of Jefferson, a second-year psychology/human services student at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge. Biggart is the child of a Greene County Medical Center employee.

• Riley Carlson of Harcourt, a Southeast Valley High School graduating senior. She will pursue a nursing degree at Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge.

• Graci Cooklin of Grand Junction, a second-year nursing student at Des Moines Area Community College in Ankeny.

• Addison Gannon of Grand Junction, a Greene County High School graduating senior. She will attend the University of Iowa pursuing a nursing degree.

• Naphtali Hoyt of Scranton, a Greene County High School graduating senior who will attend Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge studying human services.

• Leah McCormick of Churdan, a Greene County High School graduating senior. She will attend Iowa State University pursuing a biology degree.

• Brookelynne Peterson of Harcourt, a Southeast Valley High School graduating senior. She will attend Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids studying nursing. Peterson is the child of a Greene County Medical Center employee.

• Nikki Rose of Grand Junction, a phlebotomist at Greene County Medical Center. Rose is a second-year student at Seward County Community College in Liberal, Kansas and she is pursuing a degree in medical laboratory technology.

• Maya Telleen of Jefferson, a Greene County High School graduating senior who will attend the University of Iowa pursuing a nursing degree.

“Congratulations to all of the scholarship recipients,” Houska added. “We are thrilled to be able to provide monetary support to our deserving area students and our Team Members and their families.” More information about the Greene County Medical Center Foundation and Auxiliary scholarship programs can be found under the About tab at gcmchealth.com.