Jerkatis Named Medical Explorers Scholarship Winner

Kaila Jerkatis and Mariah Bargman, Medical Explorers Program Director

Memorial Hospital is proud to announce that Kaila Jerkatis, a senior at Gibault High School, has been named the 2026 recipient of the Memorial Hospital Medical Explorers Scholarship.

The Medical Explorers Scholarship is awarded annually to a high school senior or college student who is an active member of the Memorial Hospital Medical Explorers Post. Applicants complete a structured program that includes six hours of job shadowing throughout the hospital. Upon completion of their shadowing and submission of a reflection essay, a scholarship is awarded by the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. Recipients are selected by a committee based on their engagement in the scholarship program and the strength of their final essay.

This year, three graduating seniors applied for the scholarship. After careful review, the committee selected Kaila Jerkatis for her outstanding participation and thoughtful reflection on her experience.

During her time in the program, Jerkatis had the opportunity to shadow multiple departments throughout Memorial Hospital. Reflecting on her experience, she shared how it deepened her understanding of hospital operations and patient care.

Through her participation in the Medical Explorers Program, Jerkatis developed a greater appreciation for the collaborative nature of healthcare and the dedication of medical professionals. “This experience has reassured me in my desire to become a doctor because it has shown me how meaningful it is to be part of a team that directly impacts people's quality of life,” she said.

Jerkatis was formally presented with the scholarship during the Gibault High School Awards Ceremony on Friday, May 15. Memorial Hospital and its Auxiliary congratulate Kaila Jerkatis on this achievement and wish her continued success as she pursues a future in medicine.