Horizon Health and the Horizon Health Foundation have announced the availability of several scholarships for local students interested in pursuing careers in healthcare during the 2026-2027 academic year.
The application deadline is set for Wednesday, April 1. Applications can be submitted online at MyHorizonHealth.org/Scholarships. For further information, individuals may contact Michelle Wilken at 217-466-4277 or MWilken@myhorizonhealth.org.
Among the scholarships offered is the Dr. Leland Phipps Memorial Scholarship, which provides $1,000 to a Horizon Health employee seeking further education in healthcare. The scholarship may be divided into two $500 awards based on applicant needs. Dr. Phipps played a key role in developing Paris Community Hospital/Family Medical Center and was recognized with the opening of the Phipps Center for Primary Care in 2022 after his passing in 2017.
Two full EMT-Basic Certification Scholarships are also available to individuals aged 21 or older who live within Horizon Health’s primary service area. These scholarships cover all course-related expenses and were established by the Horizon Health Foundation Board.
The Department of Nursing at Horizon Health will award two $500 Nursing Foundation Scholarships to applicants enrolled in or accepted into nursing programs. Funding comes from sources such as the annual Nursing Twilight Walk, Nursing Honor Guard program, and private donations.
Additionally, the Frey-McKnight Community Leadership Scholarship offers $1,000 to candidates dedicated to community service and positive impact. Dr. Marilyn Frey established this scholarship in memory of her late husband Michael Frey and his family members.
Dr. Frey said: “Michael Frey was a passionate advocate for justice, integrity, and equality, deeply committed to his family, community, and friends. Embodying the same spirit, I champion the principles of community service and giving back, both through my professional endeavors in psychology and my personal commitments to philanthropy.” She added: “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 providing two $1,500 scholarships—one open to any Edgar County high school graduating senior and another for full-time or part-time Horizon Health employees.
This year’s Doc Acklin Memorial Scholarship will be managed by the Community Foundation of East Central Illinois rather than directly by PCH Volunteers. Two graduating seniors from Paris Cooperative High School will each receive $500 scholarships between February 16 and March 25. The awards recognize students who demonstrate scholastic achievement, athletic participation, and strong character traits reflective of Dr. James Acklin’s legacy as a physician at Paris Community Hospital for 34 years.
