For the ninth year now, Sound Family Medicine has awarded scholarships to local high school students as well as our employees. All recipients are patients or employees of Sound Family Medicine, and special consideration was given to those applicants planning to pursue a career in a healthcare-related field.
This year we have found five worthy high school seniors. Mekenzie Voellger from Bonney Lake High School, Amisha Parikh from Emerald Ridge High School, Tara Adams from Puyallup High School, Lydia Davison from Rogers High School, and Emily Martin from Bethel High School received scholarships at their high schools’ awards ceremonies. We attended these ceremonies in order to see the many special young adults, ready to go forth on their own as college freshmen this fall. Each scholarship recipient is an excellent student who is extremely involved in our community.
In addition to the local high school seniors that were selected, we also awarded two SFM employees, Kyle Michaud and Jessica Metzler, with scholarships for continuing their education.
Mekenzie Voellger will be attending Pacific Lutheran University in the fall, where she will study to become a nurse. While attending Bonney Lake High School, Mekenzie was a member of DECA, was captain of the basketball team, and she was also a WIAA Athlete of the Week. She gave back to her community by participating in Beautify Bonney Lake, the Labor of Love Triathlon and by volunteering at the food bank.
Amisha Parikh will be attending the University of Washington in the fall, where she will study neuroscience. While attending Emerald Ridge High School, Amisha received multiple academic awards and was voted Senior Class President. She gave back to her community by participating in Puyallup Giftmakers, and she also completed a summer internship at Navos Mental Health Solutions in Seattle.
Tara Adams will be attending the University of Washington in the fall, where she will study biology as she works toward a career as a medical provider. While attending Puyallup High School, Tara was a president of the medical explorers program, was a member of the cross country team, and also earned a varsity letter for community service. She gave back to her community, not only through the medical explorers program, but also by volunteering with United Way of Pierce County.
Lydia Davison will be attending the University of Washington in the fall, where she will work towards her goal of becoming an occupational therapist. While attending Rogers High School, Lydia was involved in student leadership, symphonic band and athletics. She gave back to her community by volunteering at Good Samaritan Hospital’s Children’s Therapy Unit. Lydia even earned a varsity letter in community service.
Emily Martin will be attending the University of Washington in the fall, where she will study biology, on the road to a career in neonatology. While attending Bethel High School, Emily was president of FBLA, captain of the fastpitch team, and was a cheerleader. She is also her class valedictorian. She gave back to her community by serving as the community liaison for ASB.
Kyle Michaud works as a medical assistant in the Sound Family Medicine Puyallup Hartland Lab, and has been serving the staff of Sound Family Medicine since August 2012. He is enrolling at Tacoma Community College and is studying to obtain his Associate’s Degree in Applied Sciences, with a goal of becoming a paramedic and serving in a search and rescue or trauma care setting. Kyle has a passion for helping others and believes that furthering his education will allow him to make a difference in peoples’ lives. Kyle has served our nation in the military, and also volunteers in his community.
Jessica Metzler is our evening courier, and has been serving the staff of Sound Family Medicine since September 2011. She is currently enrolled at Pierce College and is studying to obtain her Associate’s Degree in Dental Hygiene. Jessica says that she finds oral health fascinating and exciting. Once she has completed her education, Jessica hopes to travel to poorer countries where people are in need of dental care, as well as work in family-oriented dental office.
Please join us in congratulating these students on their achievements. We look forward to seeing how they will shape the future of their communities.
