The Weskota Foundation annually awards scholarships on behalf of Avera Weskota Memorial Hospital, Weskota Manor Avera and Horizon Health to high school seniors who are planning a career in a health care field. Consideration is given to the applicant’s potential contribution to rural health care based upon information provided on the application. Scholarships have been previously awarded to applicants from Jerauld, Aurora, Sanborn and Buffalo Counties. The mission of Weskota Foundation is to assist in the preservation of healthcare services in the Wessington Springs area.
Recipients of the 2025 Weskota Foundation $750 Scholarships are: Makenzie Schley, Woonsocket High School for Physical Therapy Assistant at Lake Area Technical College, Alexis Hauge, Plankinton High School for Medical Office Professional at Mitchell Technical College and Ryder Michalek, Wessington Springs High School for Chiropractic at Black Hills State University.
The Rueben and Edna Butz Scholarship was established to support a graduating senior(s) living in Jerauld County pursuing a health-related career. The Weskota Foundation is the trustee of the memorial fund. This year $1000 scholarships were awarded to two high school seniors. Mariah Messmer, Wessington Springs High School for Medical Assistant at Mitchell Technical College and Ashlyn Weber, Wessington Springs High School, for Family Physician at South Dakota State University.