Now in its second year, the Dr. Jerry and Norma Hamm scholarship continues to honor and celebrate the legacy of two remarkable individuals whose dedication to CHC/SEK and education in southeast Kansas continues to make a lasting impact. This scholarship stands as a tribute to their passion for service and their belief in the power of education to improve the wellbeing of our communities.
Not pictured; Morgan Harris, Taylor Swarnes, and Victoria Yoakam
“We’re especially grateful to their daughter and son-in-law, Betsy and Jim Chappell, for their continued generosity and support,” said Leah Gagnon, Director of Inspire Health Foundation. “Their involvement has brought a personal and heartfelt dimension to this scholarship, helping ensure that it reflects the values Dr. Jerry and Norma Hamm held so dearly.”
The Dr. Jerry and Norma Hamm scholarship is awarded to CHC/SEK staff and their dependents who are pursuing a healthcare-related degree or taking secondary healthcare-related courses. The Anderson Behavioral Health Scholarship is awarded to applicants pursuing a clinical track Master, or Doctoral Degree in a behavioral health field from an accredited university.
Recipients for the Hamm Scholarship include Alex Ferguson, Morgan Harris, Cadence Hunziker, Cooper Simmons, Taylor Swarnes, and Laura Wallace. The recipient for the Anderson Behavioral Health scholarship is Victoria Yoakam.
“We’re proud to recognize our 2025 awardees—an exceptional group of colleagues and students whose passion, promise, and strong roots in their communities capture the spirit of this scholarship,” Leah shares
Alex Ferguson
Alex Ferguson serves as the Administrative Assistant of Clinical Operations at CHC/SEK’s Pittsburg North location.
Alex is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in Healthcare Administration at Pittsburg State University.
“Receiving the Dr. Jerry and Norma Hamm Scholarship supports my mission to create a lasting and positive impact on the well-being of others,” Alex shares. “As a former Eagle Scout and longtime volunteer, I am deeply passionate about service and committed to strengthening communities through accessible, quality healthcare.”
Morgan Harris
Morgan Harris is a Registered Nurse Care Coordinator at CHC/SEK’s Baxter Springs location.
Morgan is currently working toward a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Western Governors University (WGU).
With five years of nursing experience and the last two dedicated to serving patients at CHC/SEK, Morgan remains committed to advancing her education. “My ultimate goal is to become a family nurse practitioner,” she shares. “I will be able to make a lasting impact on our community and the quality of patient care.”
Cadence Hunziker
Cadence Hunziker is a recent graduate from Fort Scott High School. In the fall, she will be attending Pittsburg State University with a major in Nursing.
“Learning more about Dr. and Mrs. Hamm and all of their compassion for others I feel very fortunate to receive this scholarship,” Cadence shares. “I hope that by attending college and obtaining my nursing degree that I will be able to give back to my community in the future.”
Cooper Simmons
Cooper Simmons is a Pharmacy Technician for CHC/SEK’s Pittsburg North location.
Cooper is currently pursuing a degree in Exercise Science with plans to apply to Physical Therapy school upon graduation.
“This scholarship means a lot,” Cooper shares. “It will help go towards my finances to ensure that I can have a stress-free semester to focus on my education.”
Taylor Swarnes
Taylor Swarnes is a recent graduate from Liberal High School. In the fall, she will be attending Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College for Physical Therapy/Sports Medicine.
Laura Wallace
Laura Wallace is a Medical Assistant for Walk in Care at CHC/SEK’s Pittsburg North location.
Laura is currently pursuing a degree in Health Science for Respiratory Therapy at Labette Community College.
“I am so blessed to be a recipient of this scholarship,” Laura shares. “This will help me pursue my dreams and give my family a better life.”
Anderson Behavioral Health Scholarship
The Anderson Behavioral Health Scholarship is named for Dr. Darwin Anderson, PhD, and Pam Anderson, LSCSW, who over their 18+ years with CHC/SEK, were instrumental in developing the behavioral health program we have today. This scholarship is open to applicants pursuing a clinical track Masters, or Doctoral Degree in a behavioral health field from an accredited university.
Victoria Yoakam
Victoria Yoakam is a Medical Assistant in the Behavioral Health Department at CHC/SEK’s Pittsburg North location.
Victoria is currently pursuing a Master in Clinical Counseling at Emporia State University and is the recipient of the Anderson Behavioral Health Scholarship.
“With the support and guidance of CHC and my family, I’ve discovered a true passion for counseling,” Victoria shares. “I’m incredibly grateful to everyone at CHC who has supported me on this journey, and I’m honored to receive the Anderson Scholarship.”