Helen S. Randles Scholarships Honor Health Care Workers of Tomorrow

OGDENSBURG – Three high school seniors from a field of nearly 30 applicants were honored with Helen S. Randles Scholarships.

The scholarships are presented by the Society of the United Helpers using funds from an endowment created by the late Ms. Randles. 

This year’s winners included two students from Ogdensburg and a student from Massena.

Elizabeth Peo, of Ogdensburg will be attending LeMoyne to enter the school’s nursing program. She is the daughter of Michael and Sheila Peo. She is planning to become a nurse practitioner.

Riliegh Planty, of Ogdensburg will be attending SUNY Oneonta this fall. She will major in biology and is planning to become a physician assistant. She is the daughter of Jennifer Pratt.

Jackson Halladay, of Massena will be attending the University of St. Joseph’s where he will be a health sciences major with aspirations of becoming a physician assistant. He is the son of Shane and Cristen Halladay.

Scholarship Committee Chair Ed Gordon said the decision on whom to select is never an easy one.

“This award isn’t just about academic achievement. It is also about community service. Each applicant must also write a letter explaining why they would like to go into the health care field,” he said before telling the students a little about Ms. Randles, for whom the scholarship they just received was named.

“Education was very important to her,” he said, adding Ms. Randles served as a volunteer with United Helpers for 46 years. “I don’t think anyone has ever served longer.”

The scholarships are awarded each year to students from St. Lawrence County who are furthering their education and planning to enter the health care field.