Long-running program has now awarded nearly $300,000 to future healthcare professionals since 1976
A dozen local students pursuing careers in healthcare were recognized this week as recipients of the 2026 Mercy Hospital of Folsom Auxiliary Scholarship Program, continuing a decades-long tradition of supporting the next generation of medical professionals in the community.
The scholarships were formally presented during the Auxiliary’s Annual Scholarship Brunch, where recipients were honored alongside family members, friends and members of the Mercy Hospital of Folsom Auxiliary. The annual program recognizes students who are actively enrolled in college coursework or preparing to begin studies in healthcare-related fields ranging from nursing and medicine to other medical professions.
This year’s scholarship recipients are Liza Ageeva, Sean McLeod, Habiba Darwish, Kaylee Koo, Maxine Yu, Daisy Cuadra, Samantha Jacobs, Mia Yasutake, Audrey Tran, Ivy Wooster, Amy Shchirov and Emma Thompson.
Recipients were selected through a competitive application and interview process conducted by the Auxiliary scholarship committee. Applicants were required to complete an extensive application that included academic records, personal statements and references before advancing to interviews with committee members.
The scholarship program has become one of the Auxiliary’s most enduring community contributions since the organization was founded in 1976. Originally established to support Mercy Hospital of Folsom through volunteer service, Auxiliary members assisted visitors, operated the hospital gift shop and helped staff in various patient support roles throughout the hospital.
Over the past five decades, proceeds generated through the hospital gift shop and Auxiliary fundraising efforts have helped provide nearly $300,000 in scholarships to students pursuing healthcare careers, helping many local graduates continue their education and training in the medical field.
Hospital leaders and Auxiliary members say the scholarship program remains an important investment in the future of healthcare, especially as communities nationwide continue to face growing demand for nurses, physicians and other trained medical professionals.
The Auxiliary continues to welcome community members interested in volunteering and supporting its mission at Mercy Hospital of Folsom. Those interested in becoming a member of the Auxiliary can contact Jannine Harnage atjannine.harnage@commonspirit.orgfor additional information.
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