June 4, 2025 – Nantucket Cottage Hospital awarded 33 Beinecke scholarships totaling $60,000 to island students and residents pursuing education and training in medical and healthcare fields. A ceremony honoring the recipients was held at the hospital Wednesday, June 4.

“The Beinecke Scholarship Fund embodies Nantucket Cottage Hospital’s commitment to cultivating local talent and securing the island’s healthcare future,” said Amy Lee, President of Nantucket Cottage Hospital. “By offering financial support to island residents this fund creates inclusive pathways into nursing, allied health, radiology, physical therapy, social work, and a range of clinical and support roles. Each award, therefore, is not simply a gift to an individual; it is a strategic investment in the caregivers whose skills and compassion will drive high quality, coordinated care for our patients and neighbors.”

In a time of nationwide clinician shortages and rapidly evolving healthcare demands, Lee said the scholarship’s impact is especially critical. It helps Nantucket Cottage Hospital recruit, train, and retain a resilient workforce, ensuring it remains fully staffed and prepared to meet the community’s needs close to home.

The late Nantucket business and civic leader Walter Beinecke Sr. began the tradition of helping islanders pursuing careers in medicine with their education expenses in the early 1950s, and Walter Beinecke Jr. continued the tradition by establishing the endowed fund at NCH in 1958 after his father’s death. Since then, these scholarships have benefitted hundreds of island students and NCH employees.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to the Beinecke family, including Ann Oliver, Deborah Beale, and Barbara Spitler, whose vision and generosity sustain this life changing fund and help secure a healthier future for Nantucket,” said Lee.

Criteria for the scholarship focuses on six areas of health care study and training. Nursing is the fund’s top priority followed by radiology and imaging services, laboratory services, pharmaceutical fields, physicians and physician’s assistant studies and physical therapy training. An independent selection committee reviews all the applications and makes the selections.

The scholarship is open to graduates of Nantucket High School, employees of NCH and Nantucket residents of all ages who can satisfy the guidelines and requirements.

This year’s recipients include:

• Ugne Aleknaite
• Alison Bamber
• Melanie Bamber
• Ciara Barnett
• Amy Beaton
• Allyson Bold
• Mckenzie Condon
• Abigail Costantino
• Margaret Culkins
• Emma Davis
• Darian Duarte
• Henry Dupont
• Emily Dussault
• Jazmin Estrada Flores
• Kimla Francis
• Sophie Gerardi
• Julie Hamilton
• Ella Hofford
• Anna Hudzik
• Madison Hughes
• Madison Iller
• Mariel Jelleme
• Jennifer Lamb
• Adriana Lopez
• Amanda Mack
• Emerson Milne
• Hillary Reynolds
• Martina Savova
• Anjali Sinjali
• Tinita Sirisophapong
• Sarah Trottier
• Samantha Zadroga
• Molly Zegans