Six Newberg natives net scholarships as they seek degrees in medical fields

A half-dozen Newberg natives are one step closer to realizing their aspirations of joining the medical industry thanks to a McMinnville-based foundation.

The Willamette Valley Medical Center’s Volunteer Guild announced this week that it has awarded $22,000 in scholarships to roughly 20 students, including six from the Newberg area. Each student will receive $1,000 toward their college education.

The Newberg students include: Siena Gartska, who will attend the University of Montana in Missoula and pursue a degree in integrative physiology with the goal of becoming a physician’s assistant; Isabella Herboldt will seek out a nursing degree from George Fox University; Malachi Muthias will travel to Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California, in pursuit of a degree in kinesiology and physical therapy; the aim of earning a degree in nursing/nurse anesthetist is Paige Stilp’s in attending Biola University in La Mirada, California; Lucia Tomaselli will seek a degree in pediatric nursing or as a pediatric physician when she applies her scholarship at one of the three universities to which she has been accepted; and Colorado State University’s Pueblo campus will welcome Moira Turpen as she strives toward a degree in biomedical engineering.

Over the past two decades the WVMC Volunteer Guild has distributed more than $370,400 in scholarships to Yamhill County students seeking medicine-related degrees. The scholarships, according to a release, are funded through donations and proceeds from the nonprofit Volunteer Guild’s gift shop, ensconced within the WVMC and operated by volunteers.

“This substantial investment highlights the dedication of the Guild volunteers in supporting the education and career development of future health care professionals,” the release said.

Those wishing to support the Guild’s scholarship fund may send their contributions to: WVMC Guild Volunteers, 2700 S.E. Stratus Ave. McMinnville, OR 97128.