Clarion Hospital Foundation Awards Annual Scholarships to Local High School Graduates

CLARION, PA – June 18, 2025 -The Clarion Hospital Foundation, a charitable arm of Independence Health System, recently awarded $1,000 scholarships to twelve area high school graduates from across Clarion County who plan to pursue careers in the healthcare field. Recipients were selected based on academic performance, extracurricular involvement, and their expressed interest in pursuing a career in the medical profession.

These scholarships are made possible through the generosity of donors, whose commitment to higher education supports the next generation of healthcare professionals in our community.

Kate Grafton was awarded the John E. Brooks Memorial Scholarship.

A 2025 graduate of Redbank Valley High School, Kate will attend Penn State University to pursue a career as a cardiovascular perfusionist. She served as vice president of the National Honor Society, treasurer of the student council, and was a member of the International Club. She also held multiple leadership roles in the Future Farmers of America Organization, including president, secretary and treasurer. Outside of school, she served as secretary and president of the 4-H Club and was a beef project representative for the 4-H Junior Livestock Committee, Clarion County Chapter.

Allison Ochs was awarded a Joseph & Helen Miller Memorial Scholarship.

A 2025 graduate of North Clarion High School, Allison will attend Duquesne University to pursue a pharmacy career. She was a member of the Science Olympiad team, earning several regional medals, and competed in the Academic Decathlon, where she placed first in the honors division and helped the team earn multiple individual medals. She was also a programmer and builder on the Vex Robotics team and played center defender on the school’s soccer team.

Kya Wetzel was awarded a Joseph & Helen Miller Memorial Scholarship.

A 2025 graduate of Union High School, Kya will attend Geneva College to pursue a career as a physician assistant. She was active in the National Honor Society, student council, prom committee and Sports Club. She also played softball, basketball and volleyball, and was involved in the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.

Alicyn Burford was awarded a Fran Shope Memorial Scholarship.

A 2025 graduate of Clarion Area High School, Alicyn will attend Slippery Rock University to pursue a career in optometry. She served as treasurer of the National Honor Society and was a dedicated member of the Science Olympiad team from sixth through 12^th grade. Alicyn also captained the varsity volleyball team and played varsity softball. Her passion for helping others inspired her to volunteer on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic in 2023.

Taylor Ripple was awarded a Fran Shope Memorial Scholarship.

A 2025 graduate of Redbank Valley High School, Taylor will attend Grove City College to pursue a career as a physician assistant. She was a member of the National Honor Society, served as secretary of the Yearbook Club, and treasurer of the Future Farmers of America Organization. Taylor was also a member of the volleyball team, where she served as captain for two years.

Karlee Smith was awarded the James B. Alexander Memorial Scholarship.

A 2025 graduate of Keystone Jr./Sr. High School, Karlee will attend PennWest Clarion University to pursue a career in radiology. She was a member of both the National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society, served as vice president of the Allied Health program at the Clarion County Career Center, and was named to the director’s list. She also earned varsity letters in basketball and softball and volunteered with Grace Youth Missions.

Lilly Mahle was awarded the Dr. John L. Johnston Memorial Scholarship.

A 2024 graduate of Clarion-Limestone High School, Lilly is currently attending Gannon University to pursue a career as a physician assistant. She was recognized for her academic achievements with acceptance into the honors college at Gannon University and received recognition on the dean’s list, demonstrating her commitment to academic excellence. She is also active in the Red Cross Club and Relay for Life Club.

Natalie Durish was awarded a Stroup Family Nursing Scholarship.

A 2025 graduate of Clarion Area High School, Natalie will attend PennWest Clarion University to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She served as vice president of the National Honor Society, was a member of the student council, treasurer of the choir, and a member of the Clarion Singers. She also captained the volleyball and basketball teams, competed in track, and the Science Olympiad team. In addition, she volunteered as an altar server, helped with her church’s community Thanksgiving dinner and children’s liturgy.

Emileigh Mahle was awarded a Stroup Family Nursing Scholarship.

A 2025 graduate of Clarion Area High School, Emileigh will attend PennWest Clarion University to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She was a member of the National Honor Society and played varsity softball, earning ALL- Conference honors in her sophomore and junior years.

Mackenzie Foringer was awarded a Stroup Family Nursing Scholarship.

A 2025 graduate of Redbank Valley High School, Mackenzie will attend PennWest Clarion University to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She was a member of the student council, managing public relations, and played softball, serving as team captain. She was also a member of the Future Farmers of America Organization.

Baylee McCracken was awarded a Stroup Family Nursing Scholarship.

A 2025 graduate of Brookville Area Jr./Sr. High School, Baylee will attend PennWest Clarion University to pursue an Associate of Science in Nursing. She was a member of the National Honor Society, Med Club and Bible Club, and volunteered at concession stands and benefit dinners for the Knox Township Volunteer Fire Department.

Eva Wadding was awarded a Stroup Family Nursing Scholarship.

A 2025 graduate of Redbank Valley High School, Eva will attend PennWest Clarion University to pursue an Associate of Science in Nursing. She was a member of the National Technical Honor Society, served as president of both the Student Congress at the Clarion County Career Center and the Allied Health program, and was also a member of the student council.

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Nationally recognized for quality care, Independence Health System comprises Butler Memorial, Clarion, Frick, Latrobe and Westmoreland Hospitals with a combined bed count of 925. With more than 1,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and 7,300 employees, the System is the third largest in western Pennsylvania serving a population base of 750,000 in a footprint spanning more than 10 counties.

The System includes tertiary programs rated among America’s best for cardiac care and surgery, earning accolades from a number of prestigious outlets and organizations. Locally owned and locally controlled, Independence Health System offers its patients low-cost, high-quality care across the care spectrum in such specialties as cardiology, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, women’s health and obstetrics, emergency medicine, behavioral health and primary care. Its network of outpatient centers sees more than 1.2 million visits annually. The homecare division further supports patients at all stages of life with home health and hospice services. Learn more at www.independence.health.