Gifford’s New Scholarship Awarded to Bethel Student

Scott Karlen of Bethel in a photograph by Robin Palmer

Scott Karlen of Bethel is the recipient of the new Gifford Medical Staff Scholarship.

Karlen, who received the $1,500 scholarship at graduation from Whitcomb High School on June 16, will pursue a nursing degree at Elmira College in New York beginning this fall.

"Ever since I was younger, my dream careers were all jobs that involved helping people," Karlen wrote in his scholarship application essay. "At the end of last year I decided that I would like to be a nurse—a career that combines my academic focus in the sciences and my need to aid others."

Karlen got his start working as a volunteer at Gifford’s Menig Extended Care Facility nursing home during his senior year of high school. He also completed both the licensed nursing assistant program at Randolph Technical Career Center with honors and a psychology course at Vermont Technical College, earning an A.

"I remember my first day volunteering (at the Menig center)," Karlen wrote, "a nurse told me that the residents are eventually like family, and I was skeptical. Now I know that she was absolutely right, and I realize it will be difficult when I am in college and I can’t visit all the people I’ve grown to care so much about. Although I will miss them, I have realized through my valuable experience there that the medical field is undoubtedly the career for me."

Wanting to help students like Karlen who are interested in health careers, the Gifford Medical Staff created the scholarship this spring and received a total of nine applications from graduating high school seniors from throughout Gifford’s service area. A selection committee of three, including Medical Staff President and podiatrist Dr. Kevin McNamara, chose the winner.

Picking a winner was no easy task, Dr. McNamara said. The scholarship required applicants to write a one-page essay and submit a letter of recommendation. All applicants and their supporting essays and letters were strong. According to Dr. McNamara, Karlen’s name appeared as a top pick from all three selection committee members, since "he had a very strong letter of recommendation and his volunteerism in the Menig facility three days a week was appreciated."

Bethel school nurse Dianne Sardonis credited Karlen with being a well-rounded student who has successfully combined academics, athletics and community service.

"I was so honored when Scott asked me to write a letter of recommendation for him," Sardonis wrote. "He has a gentle, kind manner as well as a great sense of humor, which both children and adults respond to easily. Most importantly, Scott is an exceptionally compassionate and caring person."

Sardonis awarded the scholarship to Karlen, who is the son of Tom and Beth Karlen, at his graduation. Gifford’s medical staff hopes to make the scholarship an annual award for a local student.

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