June 25, 2026
Photo taken at Kendal on Hudson May 27, 2026. Left to right, the students are: Meili Sicard, Yaruska Cruz, Caiya Cummings, Nicole O’Grady, Stacey Rickets, Eil Manela, Nicholas Silva, and Carlos Tasama.
Kendal on Hudson, a Life Plan Community (CCRC), continues to help tackle the severe nursing shortage impacting the nation by awarding $1,500 scholarships to high-achieving high school and college students pursuing nursing careers.
These scholarships, awarded by Kendal on Hudson’s Board Philanthropy Committee, recognize outstanding academic and community achievements while supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Through these scholarship programs and other charitable efforts, Kendal on Hudson addresses societal challenges while fostering meaningful community connections.
Sleepy Hollow High School Nursing Award: Cultivating Nursing Aspirations
This year, two outstanding seniors from Sleepy Hollow High School received $1,500 to aid their nursing education: Melanie Carchi and Mirianny S. Beltre Bobea. both students’ plans to pursue nursing careers are rooted in their strong desire to help others. Their volunteer experiences showed them that nurses play a vital role in healthcare and are sources of hope to others.
Thanks to this initiative, to date, 26 Sleepy Hollow High School seniors have been awarded a collective total of $24,000 in scholarships.
Pace University Nursing Award: Supporting Future Leaders in Healthcare
Additionally, eight promising Pace University students received $1,500 toward their nursing programs: Yaruska Cruz, Calya Cummings, Eli Manela, Nicole O’Grady, Stacey Rickets, Meili Sicard, Nicholas Silva, and Carlos Tasama. All of the recipients attended a luncheon at Kendal’s Sleepy Hollow campus, where they had the opportunity to connect with staff and share their professional goals.
Since the program’s inception, 23 Pace nursing students have been awarded a total of $27,000 in scholarships, fueling their educational journeys in nursing, gerontology, mental health and other related fields.
Dedicated to Making an Impact
Jean Eccleston, CEO of Kendal on Hudson, reinforced the organization’s commitment, stating, “At Kendal on Hudson, we deeply value our connection with the broader community and are inspired by these students’ dedication. Their passion and commitment will strengthen the future of healthcare.”
Caroline Persell, Chair of the Board of Directors’ Philanthropy Committee, added, “It’s wonderful to assist these remarkable students who are dedicated to such a high-need field of healthcare. Supporting their dreams of serving others aligns with Kendal’s ongoing mission to positively impact the healthcare field and the broader community.”
About the Scholarship
Kendal on Hudson’s healthcare scholarship programs exemplify the organization’s dedication to investing in future leaders. By alleviating some of the financial challenges faced by nursing students, Kendal helps foster resilience and ambition among these young professionals, enabling them to focus on their education and aspirations.
Since launching, Kendal on Hudson’s scholarship programs have awarded more than $50,000 to 49 high-achieving high school and college students, emphasizing the organization’s dedication to strengthening the healthcare workforce. By providing these resources, Kendal supports students in overcoming financial hurdles and encourages the skills and ambition necessary to meet the increasing demand for skilled healthcare professionals.
Interested students meet specific qualifications and apply directly through their schools.
About Kendal on Hudson
Located in the historic lower Hudson Valley town of Sleepy Hollow just 35 miles from New York City, Kendal on Hudson is adjacent to Rockwood Hall State Park. The Life Plan Community offers a vibrant lifestyle with resident-engaged cultural programs and continuing learning, while also providing comprehensive on-site health care. It supports a culture of diversity, inclusiveness and independence.
2026 COLLEGE AND HIGH SCHOOL NURSING SCHOLARSHIPS
A continuing focus of Kendal’s philanthropy is addressing the severe nursing shortage in this country. Since 2021, 23 Pace University nursing students have received Kendal on Hudson scholarships valued at $27,000.
In May 2026, the eight new Pace nursing award recipients attended a luncheon at Kendal and shared their goals for the future with Kendal staff.
Each was awarded a $1,500 grant toward their educational expenses. Three recipients are pursuing bachelor’s degrees in Nursing; two will become Nurse Practitioners; one is in Adult Gerontology, and the other is in Psychiatry.
Left to right, the students are: Meili Sicard, Yaruska Cruz, Caiya Cummings, Nicole O’Grady, Stacey Rickets, Eil Manela, Nicholas Silva, and Carlos Tasama.
In 2026, two deserving Sleepy Hollow High School seniors, Mirianny Beltre Bobea and Melanie Carchi, received $1,500 awards to be used to offset some of their nursing school expenses. Their photos are shown below. Since the program was initiated in 2021, 26 SHHS students have shared $24,000 in grants.
Mirianny S. Beltre Bobea Melanie Carchi
Students Grants
Nursing Scholarships thru 2026 SHHS 26 $24,000
Pace 23 $27,000
Total 49 $51,000