Horizon Health Offers Annual Healthcare Scholarships

Horizon Health and the Horizon Health Foundation are offering scholarships to local students to further their education in the medical field. These healthcare scholarships are available for the 2026-2027 school year.

Applications must be received by end of business Wednesday, April 1.

The Horizon Health Foundation is offering the following scholarships:

Dr. Leland Phipps Memorial Scholarship

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The $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a Horizon Health employee to further his or her education in the healthcare field. This may be awarded as two $500 scholarships or one $1,000 scholarship, depending on applicants’ needs.

Dr. Phipps was a pioneer in the evolution of Paris Community Hospital/Family Medical Center and the cornerstone of its medical staff. He passed away suddenly on May 22, 2017. His legacy was honored in 2022 with the opening of the Paris Clinic expansion, which includes the Phipps Center for Primary Care–a dedicated space for primary care providers.

EMT-Basic Certification Scholarships

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Two full scholarships will be awarded to cover the cost of an upcoming EMT-Basic certification course. Scholarships are available to persons age 21 or older who reside within Horizon Health’s primary service area. The scholarships cover the cost of all course materials, including a student workbook, polo shirt, drug screening and background check, and first exam attempt through the National Registry. These scholarships were generously established by the Horizon Health Foundation Board.

Nursing Foundation Scholarships

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Horizon Health’s Department of Nursing is offering two $500 scholarships to applicants who are currently enrolled in, or have been accepted into, a nursing program. The scholarships are funded through various sources, including the annual Nursing Twilight Walk honoring all community nurses, the Nursing Honor Guard program, and private donations.

Frey-McKnight Community Leadership Scholarship

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This $1,000 scholarship is established by Dr. Marilyn Frey in honor of her late husband, Michael Frey, and his family—including Raymond and Virginia McKnight Frey, Alfonso and Nancy Trimble Frey, Ruth and Marie Frey, and Dr. Roy and Bertha McKnight.

Michael Frey was a passionate advocate for justice, integrity, and equality, deeply committed to his family, community, and friends. Embodying the same spirit, Dr. Frey champions the principles of community service and giving back, both through her professional endeavors in psychology and her personal commitments to philanthropy. This scholarship aims to support individuals who are dedicated to these values and motivated to make a positive impact in their communities.

The PCH Volunteers are offering the following scholarships:

• $1,500 scholarship – Available to any Edgar County high school graduating senior.

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• $1,500 scholarship – Available to any full-time or part-time Horizon Health employee.

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Doc Acklin Memorial Scholarship

Unlike previous years, this year’s scholarship will be administered by the Community Foundation of East Central Illinois. Two graduating seniors from Paris Cooperative High School will each receive a $500 scholarship. Applications will be accepted February 16-March 25. The Community Foundation will provide additional details, including a link to the application, to high school staff.

The scholarships will be awarded to outstanding seniors who exemplify the character traits of the late Dr. James Acklin, including scholastic ability, participation in athletics, and strong character. Dr. Acklin was a lifelong Paris resident and served as a family physician at Paris Community Hospital for 34 years. He was an avid athlete, coach, and devoted supporter of Paris High School athletics.

How to Apply

Applications can be completed online at MyHorizonHealth.org/Scholarships and must be received by end of business Wednesday, April 1. For more information, contact Michelle Wilken at 217-466-4277 or MWilken@myhorizonhealth.org.