Congratulations to Tovan Lew and Sydney Fournier
The NHH Auxiliary recently honoured two exceptional student volunteers by presenting them with the Northumberland Hills Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship Award in Memory of Dixie Mikel in recognition of their 2023 volunteerism and commitment to the hospital.
Yvonne (Dixie) Mikel was the wife of a prominent local physician, Dr. Don Mikel. A long-time supporter of the Auxiliary at the former Cobourg hospital site, Mrs. Mikel is credited with founding the Student Auxiliary Volunteer program which continues to this day, in expanded form, at Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH).
The scholarships, each in the amount of $1,250, are awarded annually by the NHH Auxiliary Board to successful applicants currently attending a university or college. Applicants must have accumulated a minimum of 80 volunteer hours at NHH and be attending a post-secondary institution taking courses that lead to degrees in health sciences, nursing, medical research, or biotechnology.
2023 recipients are Tovan Lew and Sydney Fournier.
Tovan is currently studying Biomedical Science (Honours program) at Trent University in Peterborough. For the past two and half years, he has been an active volunteer with the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP). Prior to HELP, Tovan was a volunteer in NHH’s Emergency Department.
Sydney Fournier is enrolled in the Health Sciences program at the University of Ottawa and recently supported NHH’s Emergency Department and Day Surgery units as a student volunteer. During her time as a volunteer, Sydney was the recipient of an NHH Foundation Gift of Gratitude, which celebrates individuals who have supported a patient’s care journey at the hospital.
“It is a pleasure to recognize these students, the latest in a long line of local youth recognized for their commitment to their community. Dixie Mikel sought to connect student interests with hospital and community needs, while granting valuable experience. With the hospital’s support, it is our pleasure to continue this tradition,” said Selena Forsyth, President of the NHH Auxiliary.
“On behalf of the Board, I thank Tovan and Sydney for their interest in the NHH Auxiliary and wish them the very best with their continued studies.”
The Dixie Mikel Scholarship is presented annually, between the late fall and early winter of each year. Applications for the 2024 awards are requested before July 30, 2024. For details on the scholarship and current volunteer opportunities, including application forms, please visit the Volunteers tab of the hospital website.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
