By TENA L. COOK, CSC MARKETING COORDINATOR
CHADRON – Chadron State College student members of the Health Professions Club (HPC) were honored Friday night during the organization’s annual awards banquet. Students who are advancing to graduate school and careers were recognized along with HPC officers for 2025-26. The officers include President Ashleigh Hills of York, Neb., Vice President Jayna Moses of Amelia, Neb., Treasurer Dawson Ohrt of Henderson, Neb., Secretary Eva McConnell of Hershey, Neb., Campus Activity Board Representative Margaret Teague of Casper, Wyo., and Social Media Representative Piper Craig of Norfolk, Neb.
The event speaker was CSC alum Dr. Andrew Leider, a physical therapist in Alliance. His wife, Amanda, is also a CSC alum and a pharmacist in Alliance. Leider spoke about the value of his undergraduate education at CSC.
“At times, I felt like the tests and work would never end, and in my head, I am sure that I cursed out many of my professors for writing such tricky questions or presenting such difficult material. However, quickly after arriving at UNMC, that frustration turned into appreciation for those same professors, many who are still here,” Leider said.
He praised the professors for helping him improve his study habits and ability to process information.
“When I arrived at UNMC I can truly say there was not any student in my class more prepared for the challenges of professional school than I was. This allowed me to excel from day one, ultimately graduating with high distinction and an academic full ride through a portion of my time at UNMC. I have no doubt that without my foundation at CSC, I would not have enjoyed the same success,” Leider said.
Students advancing to professional schools are listed below.
CHIROPRACTIC
Palmer College of Chiropractic
Morgan Ekwall of Torrington, Wyo.
DENTISTRY
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Jocelyn Shaffio of Hay Springs, Neb.
Chance Cooper of Bridgeport, Neb.
MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Paige Boitz of Pueblo West, Colo.
Karalyn Stevens of Sidney, Neb.
MEDICINE
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Alexis Kramer of Saint Paul, Neb.
Hunter Wiebelhaus of Springview, Neb.
Kaylea Geiser of Syracuse, Neb.
Colton Holobueck of Kearney, Neb.
Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine
Christopher Jennings of O’Neill, Neb.
NURSING
Montana State University
Conner Schwend of Saint Xavier, Mont.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Jersie Misegadis of Sidney, Neb.
PHARMACY
University of Wyoming
Bailey Ryker of Gothenburg, Neb.
Aaron Price of Scottsbluff, Neb.
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Cobie Bila of Chadron
PURSUING A MASTER’S DEGREE
Aubree Quast of Clarks, Neb., CSC
Sutton Pohlman of Stanton, Neb., CSC/UNMC
Aiyana Fujiyama of Wahiawa, Hawaii
Bailey Scherbarth of Hay Springs, Neb.
Elijah Huntington of Rapid City, S.D.
Thomas Walsh of Kearney, Neb.
SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY
University of South Dakota
Maddison Frohling of Rapid City, S.D.
UNDECIDED
Crimsen Blankenship of Rangely, Colo.
Ashley Jansen of Box Elder, S.D.
David Johnson of Chadron
VETERINARY
Autumn Skow of Midland, S.D., Oklahoma State University
Natalie Hamaker of Overton, Neb., University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Kendall Petty of Loveland, Colo., St. George University
CAREERS
Samantha Comes of Camp Crook, S.D., personal trainer and nutritionist
Xavier Harrell of Highlands Ranch, Colo., pharmaceutical sales