SEAHEC Awards Karen Halverson Health Leaders Memorial Scholarships

The Karen Halverson Memorial Scholarship is given annually, by SEAHEC, to graduating

high school seniors interested in pursuing a health career. Awards are given to those

students who have demonstrated leadership in the Youth Health Leaders club, have

provided community service and have been accepted to a college or University. Karen

Halverson served as the Director of SEAHEC for more twenty years and this scholarship

allows her legacy to live on through the inspiration and goals of our Young people in

southern Arizona.

Paulina Garcia’s major aspiration is to become a Medical Lawyer. She will be attending the University of Arizona. She is very motivated and envisions supporting and defending those in need.

"I would have the opportunity to implement my passion for working and helping others. As a

medical lawyer, I would also be the compassionate voice for medical practioners in need of

solidarity when human error prevails.”

Ana Lucia Gastelum will be attending the University of Arizona with an Interest in Psychology

and Pediatric Dentistry.

“As weird as it sounds I like going to the dentist and I also like to

give advice to my friends and help them make important decisions.”

“I became a member of Youth Health Leaders Club my senior year. This club helped me meet newpeople and also helped me with public speaking skills. The Youth Recovery Coach Traininghelped me understand others, I learned how to be a good listener and the right the importance ofconfidentiality, this made me more interested in pursuing psychology. What I learned in this club willhelp me communicate with and listen to others and will also help me not be shy and talk to others. Ifind myself applying the skills I learned in the club in the future because I want to help as muchpeople as possible in whatever they may need.”

Brianna Rivera will be attending university to study Neuroscience or Neurobiology.

“As a health professional I would address the opioid crisis and encourage patients to use peer to peer recovery coaches for support and not recommend opioids.

I would work hard to find something that will give the positive effect/ impacts on patients to ease pain away and refer them to pain control management and use holistic therapies such as medication and lifestyle-based healthy habits.

Being part of the CNA Nursing class at Nogales High School also taught me a lot and

helped me realize I always wanted to be a medical professional and save lives.”

Mariana Soto will be attending University of Arizona pursing Microbiology with a major interest in

Public Health.