A scholarship fund was created by the Guild in 1967 to further the education of Thompson Health Associates. The health system and the Guild contribute funds to qualified Associate's tuition bills.

In addition, the Guild established an annual scholarship fund that awards two $2,000 scholarships to deserving seniors in the service area of Thompson Health: the Phyllis Ehmann Memorial Scholarship, which has been awarded for the past six years, and the Terry Tremblay Memorial Scholarship which was given for the first time at the 2012 annual dinner.

Both scholarships are given by the Guild to encourage young people to enter one of the many health care fields.  Scholarship recipients must be registered in a human health-related field and must successfully complete their first college semester with the intent to study the second semester in a human health-related field.

Choosing our 2012 recipients was not easy. “Both of this year’s recipients not only had good grades but had extenuating circumstances,” said Scholarship Chairperson Kathleen Duserick, who singled them out from among the other applicants. One accepted what life dealt her and the other changed what life dealt him. Both made lemonade out of lemons.

The Terry Tremblay Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Rebecca Knoerl, a Bloomfield Central School student. Rebecca took the most rigorous academic programs as a senior, but has had to face life-changing moments for the past sixteen years. Rebecca sees her experience as making her a much stronger person: more patient, more appreciative, more persevering and determined. Rebecca will attend Syracuse University majoring in dietetics.

The Phyllis Ehmann scholarship recipient was Thomas Mastin who attended Canandaigua Academy. Tom faced challenges in school. A significant turning point in middle school included a decision to change his behavior and set lofty goals. He became involved in sports, auditioned for the jazz choral ensemble and got in. He applied himself academically and made substantial strides. His career goal is lofty. Tom will attend Syracuse University where he will be a pre-med major.

Congratulations to Rebecca and Tom. You’re both survivors and possess the academic skills and tenacity to overcome the odds. We’re confident those traits will lead you both to fulfill your personal and professional goals.