ALPENA — MidMichigan Medical Center-Alpena’s Volunteer Services Department recently awarded Aaron (A.J.) Nowak and Natalie Goff each a $1,500 scholarship to continue pursuing their educations in medicine.

Goff is a pre-med student at Michigan State University. She was inspired to study medicine by a childhood friend who lost his battle with cancer at age 11. She is working toward a position in the field of oncology.

Nowak attends Central Michigan University. He is also a pre-med student and is focused on securing work as an oral surgeon. Both were active volunteers in Alpena before leaving for college and continue to spend time outside of the classroom volunteering in their communities.

The Thelma Orr Memorial scholarship is named in memory of Thelma Orr, R.N., former director of nursing, and one of the founding members of the Auxiliary as part of the Volunteer Services Department at the Medical Center in Alpena. It was designed to be used to attend any accredited Michigan college for applicants in their second year or beyond working toward their degree. Serving on the scholarship selection committee were long-time volunteers Jeanne Nowak, Elaine Kingsbury, Judy Jewell, Yvonne Rondeau, and Geri Lasecki. Scholarships are awarded annually, and applications will be open again beginning in March of 2020.

For more information, call Amanda Timm, volunteer services manager, at 989-356-7546 or visit www.midmichigan.org/scholarships.