Garrett County Steps to Better Health Committee Scholarships Awarded

By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department

Each year, the Garrett County Steps to Better Health Committee (STEPS) offers two scholarships to Garrett County graduating seniors who are pursuing a career in a health care field.

This year’s high school recipients are Aaliyah Rhodes and Kendal Glass.

Aaliyah Rhodes graduated from Southern High School and plans to attend Garrett College’s Pre-Nursing program and then transfer to a University to earn a Master’s in Nursing degree, specializing in pediatrics. “To me, the medical field is a place of care, innovation, health and healing,” she said. “Medical professionals get a chance to make an impact on someone’s life and by working in the healthcare field, I can nurture my desire to make that difference.”

Kendal Glass graduated from Northern High School and plans to attend West Virginia University to major in Exercise Physiology and then continue into the Physician Assistant Program. “My interest in the medical field sprouted because of the Biomedical Pathway through school, the Exploring Careers in Health Occupations camp, and the inspiring medical professions, especially through the current pandemic,” she said. “Along with my desire to help others, seeing the need for health care workers around the world has really pushed me in that direction.”

The Steps to Better Health Scholarship is designed to encourage recipients to pursue a career in a health care field.

“The events of the last year and a half have given everyone a better understanding of the importance of healthcare workers” said Bob Stephens, Steps Committee Chairman. “The committee is pleased to help these two scholarship recipients on their way to careers in healthcare.”

Scholarship requirements include:
• Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher
• Plan to major in a health-related field at a two or four-year college
• Demonstrate good character and leadership
• Demonstrate involvement in extra-curricular and/or community activities

The STEPS Committee is composed of local businesses, public agencies, and private citizens who want to improve the overall wellness in the community. The committee is the organizing body for the Garrett County Health Fair and Family Fun Festival, which was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cutline:
The Garrett County Steps to Better Health Committee awarded Garrett County graduating seniors Aaliyah Rhodes (left) of SHS and Kendal Glass (right) of NHS each a scholarship to pursue a career in a health care field.