By Tena L. Cook, Marketing Coordinator, CSC
CHADRON, Neb. – 25 Nebraska high school students have been selected for the Rural Health Opportunities Program (RHOP) at Chadron State College.
Students selected as participants in the program are awarded full-tuition scholarships, and prioritized admission to their respective programs at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) while students selected as alternates are offered other scholarships. All students are provided with specialized professional development opportunities with UNMC and additional mentoring.
Dr. Joyce Hardy, a Professor of Biology who has been on the faculty since the second year of RHOP, said the students who interviewed this year were outstanding.
“We interviewed a phenomenal group of students. They have the ability, commitment and passion for where they're going. They bring the energy and enthusiasm to do the necessary work,” she said.
Hardy said students not selected for RHOP still plan to enroll at CSC in what is called the traditional pathway and are convinced they will thrive here.
“When our students come in with that attitude, they will thrive. That’s what we’re looking for. We want students who are dedicated and engaged in a collaborative learning process. We provide an environment where they can gain the skills, knowledge and abilities they need to reach their goals. This new cohort will fit well with our current student body of both RHOP and traditional pathway students.”
Students who successfully complete their pre-professional education at CSC advance to UNMC. Founded in 1989, RHOP is a collaborative program between Chadron State College and UNMC. After earning their professional degrees, RHOP participants are expected and encouraged to return to rural Nebraska to provide health care.
Dental students complete their advanced training at Lincoln, dental hygiene students at Gering, nursing students at Scottsbluff and all others at the UNMC campuses in Omaha or Kearney. Students chosen for RHOP at CSC are listed below.
Dentistry
Clara Denny of North Platte
Sarah Johndreau of Chadron
Zachary Wiebelhaus of Springview
Medical Nutrition
Ella Shevlin of Silver Creek
Medicine
Ryker Behrend of Kimball
Elizabeth Brennan of Wahoo
Owen Hesser of Crete
Liam Hinrikus of Grand Island
Braydon Hoesing of Wausa
Peyton Hofmann of Polk
Cannen Mooney of Benedict
Jayla Moore of Gering
Kali Philippi of Axtell
Nursing
Jordyn Hyde of Scottsbluff
Yvonne Kreiling of Minatare
Amelia Mazour of Sidney
Jailyn Nichols of Bridgeport
Physical Therapy
Sydney Hengelfelt of Stromsburg
Colten Lemoine of Mitchell
Physician Assistant
Luke Hoffschneider of Waco
Breanna Meggison of Alliance
Public Health
Elijah Turco of Springfield
Radiography
Makiah Craig of Chadron
Hayley Rusher of Imperial
JulieAnne Sheldon of Riverdale