(WARRENSBURG, Mo.) — The Western Missouri Medical Center Auxiliary Board recently awarded $1,000 scholarships to five students.

Each year, the WMMC Auxiliary sponsors the Health Care Career Scholarships for students who are pursuing or furthering their education in any health care field, according to a news release. Recipients are selected by the WMMC Auxiliary Scholarship Committee based on financial need, scholastic ability, work plans and a demonstrated interest in health care.

This year’s recipients include: Jackie Herpich, Master of Science in nutrition and dietetics at Kansas University Medical Center; Andrea Ast, Master of Science in family nurse practitioner at the University of Central Missouri; Laura Noble, Master of Science in rural family nursing/nurse practitioner at UCM; Tina Keith, Practical Nursing Program at the Warrensburg Career Center; and Garret Matthews, Pre-Pharmacy Program at the University of Missouri in Kansas City.

Dr. Robert Semonisck, former chair of the WMMC board of trustees, also presented a $500 donation to the WMMC Auxiliary to benefit a nursing student in memory of his late wife, Ann, who was also a nurse. The donation was awarded to Rachel Ouellette, Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Missouri in Columbia.

The WMMC Auxiliary is seeking donations to fund future scholarships, which can be made to the WMMC Auxiliary for the Health Care Career Scholarship Fund and sent to WMMC Auxiliary, 403 Burkarth Road, Warrensburg, MO, 64093.