Courtesy Photo This photo provided by MidMichigan Medical Center-Alpena shows, from left to right, Chuck Sherwin, president of MidMichigan Medical Center-Alpena, Miranda Johnson, recipient of the DesOrmeau Nursing Scholarship, Ann Diamond, director of fund development at MidMichigan Health Foundation. Not pictured is Kalene Krisan, recipient of the Gerald and June Kramer Education Scholarship.

ALPENA– MidMichigan Medical Center-Alpena has awarded two area students financial assistance to continue their pursuit towards a career in the field of human medicine.

Miranda Johnson and Kalene Krisan were named recipients of MidMichigan Health Foundation’s Development Council scholarships.

Johnson received the DesOrmeau Nursing Scholarship in the amount of $1,000.

She is pursuing her Master of Science degree in nursing education from Spring Arbor University. She is a non-traditional student currently working for MidMichigan Health in the Emergency Department in Alpena. Prior to her position in the Emergency Department, Johnson worked in long-term care, group homes, as well as on the medical surgical floor. She has been described as a pillar of leadership and she shines in her ability to impart skills and knowledge onto others.

According to a letter of recommendation from a physician, “I strongly feel Miranda Johnson is one of the most outstanding nurses that I have had the pleasure to work with.” After graduation, Johnson plans to remain a nurse in the Emergency Department with hopes to obtain a position at Alpena Community College educating upcoming nursing students.

Krisan was awarded the Gerald and June Kramer Education Scholarship in the amount of $1,000.

Originally offered as a $500 scholarship, June’s family, Gary and Cindy Zolnierek, generously offered the larger scholarship award. Krisan is also a non-traditional student returning to school to obtain her registered nursing degree. She is currently working as a licensed practical nurse with MidMichigan Physicians Group at the Family Medicine office in Alpena and finds working with patients incredibly fulfilling.

According to one of Krisan’s supervisors, “Kalene is hard-working and dedicated. She expresses a great thirst for knowledge, is very professional, dependable, and responsible.”

Kalene has been a medical assistant for eight years and, upon graduating from the RN program, she plans to obtain her BSN with her ultimate goal to become a clinical manager.

Mary DesOrmeau was the former chief nursing officer at MidMichigan Health in Alpena, and Bill DesOrmeau was an active community member. They are both now retired and living near family downstate.

Funding the Kramer scholarship is June Kramer and Gary and Cindy Zolnierek. Although the family is now in Texas, this is a legacy gift in memory of June’s husband, Gerald, and a family gift in honor of June, whose philosophies were always to help others.

All of those individuals recognize the value and importance of supporting education and quality health care.

The scholarship program at MidMichigan Medical Center-Alpena began in 2002 and has since awarded $77,000 in health care scholarships to local students.

Those interested in more information on scholarship opportunities or details on how to fund a health care scholarship may contact Ann Diamond, development director at the MidMichigan Health Foundation, at 989-356-7738 or ann.diamond@midmichigan.org.