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ALPENA, Mich. – Students pursuing careers in health care have until April 1, 2026, to apply for scholarships offered through the MyMichigan Health Foundation and the MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena Volunteer Services Department. The scholarships are available to students whose primary residency is in Alcona, Alpena, Montmorency or Presque Isle counties and who are attending a state-accredited Michigan college or university.

The Aliferis Scholarship was established by the laboratory staff at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena in tribute to Dr. Peter Aliferis, a pathologist who worked with the Medical Center for 37 years. The award provides a $1,000 scholarship to a student pursuing a career in clinical laboratory science or who is or will be attending medical school.

The June and Gerald Kramer Memorial Scholarship awards $1,000 to a student pursuing nursing or direct patient care. Established in honor of two long‒time volunteers at MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena, the scholarship reflects the kindness and generosity June and Gerald shared with everyone they met. Their smiles, laughter and commitment to “always help others” left a lasting impact on patients and health care staff alike.

The Thelma Orr Memorial Scholarship is awarded by the MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena volunteers in honor of Thelma Orr. The award offers two $1,500 scholarships for students pursuing a course of study related to human medicine. It recognizes Thelma’s dedication to volunteerism and her passion for health care. Thelma served as nursing director and was instrumental in founding the Medical Center’s Auxiliary, now Volunteers Services, in 1974.

Applications with complete requirement instructions are available at mymichigan.org/scholarship. Those interested in more information on the Aliferis or Kramer scholarship may contact Molly Signs-Schindler at (989) 356-7351 or molly.signs-schindler@mymichigan.org. Those interested in more information on the Thelma Orr scholarship may contact Liz Larsen at (989) 356-7546 or email orrscholarship@mymichigan.org. Applicants can anticipate a response regarding the status of their applications during May.