GSS Student Wins Prestigious Nursing Scholarship

A student at Gananoque Secondary School (GSS) is one step closer to becoming a nurse, thanks to the generosity of a family business in Gananoque.

Alexis O’Connor of Gananoque was presented with the Gibson Family Health Care Nursing Scholarship at her graduation ceremony on June 27. The friendly teenager is enrolled in Bachelor of Nursing at Carleton University this September. The bursary will be applied directly to her tuition and fees.

Speaking for Gibson Family Heath Care which owns and operates Carveth Care Centre in Gananoque and Helen Henderson Care Centre in Amherstview, Brett Gibson notes, “We wanted to create a scholarship to help local students pursue their education in nursing. Our family is very happy we can help Alexis become a nurse. We wish her all the best in her pursuit of her degree.”

Started in 2023, the Gibson Family Health Care Nursing Scholarship is a $2,000 education bursary presented annually to a graduate of GSS who is entering a nursing program (Registered Nurse or Registered Practical Nurse) at the university or community college level. To qualify for the award, recipients must have a grade average of 65 or higher. The recipient is selected by a committee of residents and staff at Carveth Care Centre, a family owned and operated retirement lodge and long-term care home in Gananoque.

In her application, Alexis says she witnessed firsthand the hard work and dedication of nurses after a close family member became ill several years ago.

“This inspired me to pursue a career in nursing,” she explains. “Another reason I want to be a nurse is from the experience I gained working and completing my co-op at a retirement home where one of my most memorable shifts was in the memory care unit when a musician entertained the residents. One of the residents, who is usually shy and quiet, got up and started dancing with me.”

Already certified in first aid, safe food handling and a concussion workshop, Alexis knows the next few years are going to be challenging.

“I know nursing school won’t be easy,” she confirms. “However, it’s sentimental moments like this that helped me realize I couldn’t imagine myself committing to any other career for the rest of my life.”

Gibson Family Health Care is delighted to support today’s youth who are pursuing an education and career in health care. To learn more about living or working in our home, please call 613-382-4752.