Provided by Star Valley Health

Star Valley Health has awarded scholarships to several local students through the hospital’s Employee Dependent Scholarship Program. Founded by the Star Valley Health Charitable Foundation (SVHCF), the program supports children and dependents of active Star Valley Health employees in their pursuit of higher education.

One such student is Louisa Hinton. A graduate of Star Valley High School, Hinton is pursuing nursing at the University of Wyoming. She discovered an interest in nursing after volunteering at a local Special Olympics.

“I was paired with a student, and I would help them socialize or help them with certain tasks, like dribbling a basketball,” says Hinton. “I realized that I really like working with others.”

Hinton is currently in the midst of her first semester and will be paying for many of her college expenses. She recalls the moment she learned she was a scholarship winner: “I was ecstatic. I was just so grateful.”

The Star Valley Health Charitable Foundation is supported through an array of giving, including community donations and planned giving. Star Valley Health employees may also opt for a portion of their paycheck or a specified monetary amount to be funneled to the foundation with each pay cycle.

“One of the most impactful investments an organization can make is in its people,” says SVHCF Executive Director Ali Nilson. “Through this program we’re able to support the next generation, while honoring the dedication of Star Valley Health team members who care for our community every day.”

Nilson recently stepped into the role of Executive Director, and she’s committed to developing the Employee Dependent Scholarship Program. Her message to this year’s winners? “We’re grateful for you and for the opportunity to support you on your educational journey as you work towards your next academic goal.”

Echos Hinton, “Thank you. It’s such an amazing opportunity, and it’ll help so much with school. I can’t express how much this means to me.”

The 2026 recipients of the Employee Dependent Scholarship Program are Louisa Hinton (Nursing), Bronson Cottam (Psychology), Kadance Price (Radiology), Madilyn Dayton (Education), and Shyann Winters (Dental hygiene).