NHH Auxiliary Recognizes Local Student Volunteers with 2026 Dixie Mikel Scholarships
The Board of Directors of the Northumberland Hills Hospital Auxiliary is pleased to announce that Kaleigh Harper and Sydney Pipe have been selected as this year’s recipients of Dixie Mikel Scholarships in recognition of their 2025/2026 volunteerism and commitment to Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH).
Dixie Mikel Scholarships, in the amount of $1,250 each, are awarded annually by the NHH Auxiliary Board to exceptional student volunteers currently attending or accepted to a university or college. Applicants must have accumulated a minimum of 80 volunteer hours at NHH and be taking courses that lead to degrees in health sciences, nursing, medical research, or biotechnology.
The scholarship was created in memory of the late Yvonne (Dixie) Mikel, the wife of local physician, Dr. Don Mikel, and a long-time supporter of the Auxiliary at the former Cobourg hospital site. Mrs. Mikel is credited with the founding of the Student Auxiliary Volunteer program which continues to this day, in expanded form, at NHH.
“The Dixie Mikel Scholarship has become a testament to the dedication, commitment and contributions of our student volunteers,” said Rick Riley, President of the NHH Auxiliary.
“Awarding these scholarships each year is a tradition that allows us to carry on the good work of Dixie Mikel, while celebrating the vibrant spirit of youth volunteerism at NHH. I would like to thank our awards committee for their time and careful review of the many excellent applications we received. We are grateful to all those who submitted. On behalf of the Auxiliary Board, sincere congratulations to Kaleigh and Sydney. We wish them both the best in their academic pursuits.”
About the recipients
Kaleigh Harper
A recent graduate of Cobourg Collegiate Institute, Kaleigh will be entering her first year at Queen’s University this fall, pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree. Throughout high school, she demonstrated a strong commitment to both academic and extracurricular activities, earning recognition as an accomplished highland dancer. Kaleigh was also awarded the Ontario Minister’s Certificate of Recognition for her ‘outstanding contributions to her community’. These accomplishments reflect her commitment, leadership, and passion for making a positive impact.
Since becoming a volunteer at Northumberland Hills Hospital in 2025, Kaleigh has completed 101 volunteer hours in a short period of time, volunteering in Day Surgery, Palliative Care, and supporting the Hospital Elder Life (HELP) program. Her experience of volunteering at NHH has had a profound impact on her career aspirations, inspiring her to pursue a future in nursing.
Sydney Pipe
Sydney is starting her fourth year at Queen’s University, where she is taking an undergraduate degree in Life Sciences and was recently recognized on the Dean’s List for her high academic standing. Throughout her academic career, she consistently graduated at the top of her class, demonstrating exceptional dedication and achievement.
A passionate volunteer, Sydney has dedicated 93 hours of service as part of the Hospital Elder Life (HELP) program since she started her volunteer work at NHH in 2024. Her commitment to community service extends beyond Northumberland Hills Hospital, including volunteering at Providence Manor Retirement in Kingston throughout her undergraduate studies and sharing her love of music as part of her volunteer work at the Alzheimer Society.
Outside of academics, Sydney is an accomplished athlete, having competed in rugby and soccer and played elite-level hockey. Her commitment, perseverance, and teamwork have contributed to success both on and off the field.
Applications for consideration for the 2027 scholarships are requested before July 30, 2027. For details on the Auxiliary Board’s scholarship opportunity and current volunteer opportunities please visit the Auxiliary page on nhh.ca for more information including adult and student volunteer application forms.
About Northumberland Hills Hospital Auxiliary
The Northumberland Hills Hospital Auxiliary volunteers are dedicated individuals of all ages who work alongside hospital staff, physicians and midwives supporting the work of virtually every department. NHH volunteers welcome patients and guests upon arrival, provide wayfinding assistance, deliver water to patient rooms, and offer support and companionship to patients and families throughout the hospital, including the Emergency Department, Day Surgery, Diagnostic Imaging waiting room, Intensive Care, Palliative Care and Cancer and Supportive Care areas. Specially trained volunteers also engage in patient therapeutic activities through the Hospital Elder Life Program to help prevent delirium and functional decline during hospitalization.
Beyond direct patient support, NHH Auxiliary volunteers operate two retail operations: the Little Treasure Shop gift shop, located in the main entrance of the hospital, and Petticoat Lane, their community thrift store on Munroe Street in Cobourg. Together, the NHH Auxiliary dedicate thousands of hours of service each year and have contributed more than 5 million dollars to support capital equipment needs, enriching the patient, staff and visitor experience while helping raise funds for essential capital equipment that strengthens care for the entire community. For more information visit: https://nhh.ca/Volunteers/NHHAuxiliary or follow us on Facebook @northumberlandhillshospitalauxiliary.
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