Scholarships

Judy Lucas Memorial Health Care Scholarship

description

The Judy Lucas Memorial Scholarship is committed to supporting the educational goals and career aspirations of young people in South Dakota. As an operating room nurse and educator, Judy understood the importance of human kindness and compassion in health care. To honor her, the scholarship was established to help students just beginning their journey toward a patient-facing role in health care.

Having grown up on a farm just outside of Dell Rapids, South Dakota, Judy pursued a career in nursing following high school. After receiving her BSN, she began working as an OR nurse, then as an infection control nurse, both for the Sioux Valley Medical System. Pivoting to a new career in education, Judy served as the head of the surgical technician program at Southeast Area Vocational Technical Institute. She was instrumental in the development of four other medical programs and consequently served as Health Career Program Supervisor. Finally, Judy took on the position as service coordinator at Peace Lutheran, where she has been a member since April 1984, a job she throroughly enjoyed.

Judy’s passions were family, faith, and education. Her life was dedicated to serving these areas with true commitment, dedication, and love.

eligibility criteria

  • Minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale (strong preference for 3.0 or higher in maths and sciences)

  • Planned to be enrolled in a health care program at an accredited institution , including vocational school, community college, or university and/or pursuing certification leading to licensure in a patient-facing health care role

award information

The scholarship is awarded as a one-time gift and is non-renewable. Two students will be awarded a $125 scholarship. and is to be used as the student wishes toward any school-related costs.

application process

  • Applications are due in May (exact date for 2026 TBD) and will be reviewed over the summer.

  • Required materials:

    • Written essay OR video including but not limited to the following: career goals, achievements, and personal commitment to health care

    • Academic transcripts

  • Optional materials and things to include:

    • Relevant job or volunteer experience

    • Letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, pastors, or mentors