This year, SEAHEC awarded 9 scholarships to high school seniors pursuing a health profession, in honor of Karen Halverson, SEAHEC Executive Director, 1989-2007.

All recipients were active members of the SEAHEC Future Health leaders high school-based health career clubs in the following schools:

  • Bisbee High School: Jennifer Toscano
  • Nogales High School:  Diana Silva, Pamela Salcido, SEAHEC FHL Coordinator Lupita Gonzales, Jose Tafolla, Ayrazan Pesqueira
  • Raul Castro High School Douglas: Jose Gallegos, Maria Fernanda Soto, Valentina Soto and Ayram Beltran

Photo caption of Rual Castro ppep Tech High School:  From Left to right Mr. Fisher, Valentina Soto, Jose Gallegos, Maria Fernanda Soto, SEAHEC Intern Joyce Teran, Raul Castro PPEP Tech High School Facilitator Emily Tinoco, SEAHEC FHL Facilitator Beth Robinson

Awarded the SEAHEC Karen Halverson Future Health Leaders Scholarship, Diana Silva, graduating senior from NHS,  served as FHL  President 2020/2021.  Diana organized many community service projects, including delivering baskets to the elderly during COVID (with masks, hand sanitizer, health education information and small gifts).  She also provided a presentation to other high school students on scholarship opportunities, after she had applied for and been awarded the University of Arizona’s Wildcat Distinction for academic excellence.

Photo caption of Nogales High School Future Health Leaders – Scholarship recipients Left to right:  Diana Silva, Pamela Salcido, SEAHEC FHL Coordinator Lupita Gonzales, Jose Tafolla, Ayrazan Pesqueira

“For me this club opened the doors for a new possibility in my life”, said Jose Tafolla, a graduating senior from NHS, who will be attending the University of Arizona, College of Nursing, this fall.

“I remember having guest speakers of different health careers and I was always interested to learn more…to help me compare and decide what I want to do.  My overall experience was very positive and it helped me grow both academically and as a person.”

Jennifer Toscano, graduating senior from Bisbee High School shares her aspirations, “As long as I can remember I wanted to be a nurse.  I have always been interested in science and caring for people.”  Jennifer was accepted University of Arizona and plans to pursue a nursing degree.

“I would like to be a nurse specializing in mental health services.  Providing community education and outreach in culturally competent methods, establishing local services are a few of the abundant solutions to the challenges of mental health in my community.”