2026 GRHARC Healthcare Scholarship Program Recipients

Four Local Students Awarded Regional Healthcare Scholarships

The Grimshaw Regional Healthcare Attraction and Retention Committee (GRHARC) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 GRHARC Healthcare Scholarship Program.

This annual scholarship, valued at $3,000 per recipient, provides financial support to four students pursuing healthcare or medical-related studies, with the goal of encouraging them to live and work in the region.

“This marks our fourth year of awarding scholarships to local residents, and each year we continue to see a strong and highly qualified pool of applicants,” said Stacey Messner, GRHARC Chairperson. “It’s incredibly encouraging to see so many people in our community pursuing post secondary education in medical and health related fields, even as the selection process becomes more challenging with such deserving candidates.”

The 2026 Recipients are:

Talia Yasinski, County of Northern Lights

· Lab & X-Ray Tech at NAIT

Kayla Stalker, MD of Peace

· Counselling Psychology at Athabasca University

Evangeline Schaffert, MD of Peace

· Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Northwestern Polytechnic

Mya Petkus, County of Northern Lights

· Bachelor of Therapeutic Recreation at University of Lethbridge

This year, 13 applications were received from students in various healthcare fields. To be eligible, applicants had to demonstrate residency in the Town of Grimshaw, MD of Peace No. 135, Village of Berwyn, or County of Northern Lights, provide proof of acceptance into a healthcare or medical program, and submit a 500-700 word essay outlining their commitment to serving in rural northern communities.

Funding for this scholarship initiative is generously provided by the Town of Grimshaw, Municipal District of Peace 135, Village of Berwyn, and County of Northern Lights

.

“We know these scholarships are truly appreciated, especially as the cost of attending school and living away from home continues to rise. That’s why the committee chose to increase the scholarship amount this year, to recognize those rising costs and to better support students as they pursue their education,” said Messner.

For the past 16 years, GRHARC has worked to attract and retain healthcare professionals, ensuring they feel welcomed and supported as they establish their careers in the region. The committee includes elected officials from participating municipalities, CAOs, a local physician, an AHS physician resource planner, three community representatives, and a consultant from RhPAP (Rural Health Professions Action Plan).