WPSHC Auxiliary Supports Local Student Excellence
West Parry Sound Health Centre Auxiliary Bursary Awards continue to empower bright, passionate students in our community.
PARRY SOUND, 25 August – These awards are designed to help students pursue higher education and meaningful careers in the sciences and in health care. We’re proud to announce that local students Kikiana Tsuruta and Nathan Hunter are the 2025 recipients for the WPSHC Auxiliary Bursaries.
From Resident Support Aide to Future Care Provider
Kikiana Tsuruta, a familiar face in our community, has spent the last four years working as a Resident Support Aide at Lakeland-Long-Term-Care (LLTC). This autumn, she embarks on a new chapter as she begins her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Nipissing University.
Driven by a lifelong passion for biology and inspired by her hands-on experience in patient care, Kikiana has set her sights on becoming a General Practitioner.
“She’s a conscientious and compassionate caregiver,” said Steve White, Administrator at LLTC. “She’ll be an excellent care provider!”
Kikiana is especially excited about the practical and clinical components of her nursing education, where she’ll continue to build the skills that have already made her a valued member of the health care community.
In addition to the WPSHC Auxiliary Bursary, Kikiana has also received the Ontario Learn and Stay Grant, which covers tuition and direct educational expenses for students in priority post-secondary programmes in growing Ontario communities. “It means I can focus more on my studies,” she shared, expressing gratitude for the financial support that will ease the cost of living in residence.
Building a future in interdisciplinary scientific inquiry
Nathan Hunter will be one of just 64 students admitted this fall to the prestigious, integrated science programme at McMaster University this term. The selective, research-based programme explores the intersections of mathematics, pjusics, chemistry, life science, and earth science — offering a unique opportunity for hands-on learning and interdisciplinary exploration.
“It’s probably what I’m looking forward to the most,” said Nathan, “these huge, term-long research projects that are super hands-on.”
Nathan’s academic excellence and enthusiasm for science earned him one of only two WPSHC Auxiliary bursaries awarded this year. “It’ll definitely help with textbooks,” he noted, highlighting how the bursary will support his academic journey.
The WPSHC Auxiliary hopes this initiative will strengthen ties between the Parry Sound Region, WPSHC and the next generation of scientists and health care leaders.
“Transitioning into this new chapter can be difficult, especially with living and education costs,” said Margaret Aerola, President of the WPSHC Auxiliary, “especially as the cost of living and education rises, the Auxiliary wants to do more to support students — particularly those in the sciences and in health care.”
Margaret also expresses hope that these students will come back to work in the community. However, at the end of the day, she states that the primary goal of the bursaries is to invest in the future of both our youth, and health care. WPSHC extends its sincerest thanks to the WPSHC Auxiliary for its continued support of local students.
Congratulations to both Kikiana and Nathan for this well deserved award! We wish you both the very best as you take these exciting steps into the next chapter of your lives.
