The Emily Lee Scholarship, began in the 1980’s and has been given annually ever since. The program sponsored by Lee Initiatives, is directed toward deserving young people pursuing health care careers. Individuals could be enrolled in post-secondary technology certification programs or degree programs.
Many of the past recipients have been in advanced semester of their studies or pursuing second careers. Past scholarship award recipients have included, those studying to become registered nurses, occupational and physical therapists, radiology technicians, physician assistants, speech and language therapists, and physicians.
Selection of the recipients is based on academic excellence, financial need, and volunteer involvement in the Community.
The longtime scholarship program was named to honor the vision and spirit of Emily Lee, wife of Dr. John K. Lee, after whom, Lee Hospital was named. Emily Lee bequeathed money from her estate to be used toward the founding of a homeopathic hospital in her husband’s name.
Dr. John K. Lee a native of Pittsburgh, served in the Civil War, graduated from Hahnemann Medical School and came to Johnstown to practice medicine from his house on the lower end of Main Street. Dr. Lee perished during the flood of 1889.
Eligibility is open to the community, but all applicants must be pursuing a healthcare-related major. Graduating high school seniors as well as currently enrolled post-secondary students are encouraged to apply.