MyMichigan Health Foundation Awards Medical Center Volunteer’s Health Care Scholarships
Bailey O'Keefe, 2026 Scholarship Awardee
Alexus Houk, 2026 Scholarship Awardee
MyMichigan Health Foundation is pleased to announce the recipients of the MyMichigan Medical Center Midland Volunteers Endowed Scholarship awards. This year, three students were selected to receive $2,500 scholarships in recognition of their academic achievement and commitment to pursuing careers in health care. Two additional students will receive awards from the Midland Area Community Foundation, which are also sponsored by the MyMichigan Medical Center Volunteers.
Established through the MyMichigan Medical Center Midland Volunteers Endowed Scholarship Fund, the scholarship honors the dedicated service of hospital volunteers who have collectively contributed countless hours to supporting patients, families and the community. The fund was created to help aspiring health care professionals achieve their educational goals while fostering the next generation of compassionate and skilled caregivers.
The 2026 scholarship recipients are: Ahren Awad, who is pursuing a medical degree at the University of Michigan; Alexus Houk, who is pursuing a medical degree through Covenant HealthCare College of Medicine at Central Michigan University, and Bailey O’Keefe, who is pursuing a degree at Oakland University to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).
“The volunteers of MyMichigan Medical Center Midland have made an immeasurable impact on our patients, visitors and staff over the years,” said Tom Wood, vice president and chief administrative officer, MyMichigan Medical Center Midland. “Through this scholarship, their legacy of caring continues by investing in students who have chosen careers dedicated to improving the lives of others. We are proud to support Ahren, Lynette and Bailey as they pursue their health care education and prepare to serve future generations of patients.”
The scholarship is awarded to Midland County residents or employees of MyMichigan Medical Center Midland who are pursuing clinical health care careers and have demonstrated strong academic performance. Eligible students must have completed at least one semester of higher education and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. The scholarship is open to students pursuing a wide range of health care professions, from entry-level clinical careers to advanced medical and graduate-level programs.
“These scholarships represent the heart of what our volunteers have always stood for—caring for others and investing in the future,” said Sue Montessi, president of the MyMichigan Medical Center Midland Volunteer Operating Board. “For generations, our volunteers have dedicated their time and talents to supporting patients and strengthening our hospital. It is incredibly rewarding to see that legacy continues through these scholarships, helping talented students pursue careers in health care and ultimately make a difference in the lives of others.”
Volunteer support has long played an important role at MyMichigan Medical Center Midland. Through their service and philanthropic efforts, volunteers have helped enhance patient care and create opportunities that benefit the entire community. The scholarship fund extends that tradition by helping students overcome financial barriers and achieve their educational aspirations.
MyMichigan Health Foundation congratulates this year’s scholarship recipients and looks forward to the positive impact they will make in the health care field. Those interested in learning more about the available scholarship opportunities for the 2026-2027 academic year, may visit www.mymichigan.org/scholarships.
