Kelsey Goettl Receives the J. Scott Sanders M.D. Memorial Scholarship

MANKATO (June 3, 2020) — The Mankato Clinic Foundation awarded Kelsey Goettl, Mankato West High School senior, the $2,000 J. Scott Sanders M.D. Memorial Scholarship. Goettl is attending Minnesota State University, Mankato, in the fall and plans to study dental hygiene.

The scholarship honors J. Scott Sanders, M.D., Mankato Clinic’s beloved physician, pulmonologist and critical care specialist, who died in May 2006 after a courageous battle with cancer. Mankato Clinic Foundation has developed the J. Scott Sanders M.D. Memorial Scholarship for high school seniors. Dr. Sanders’ character was renowned in all aspects of his life which resulted in an unforgettable and lifelong impact on others.

To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must write about how character has been important in achieving their accomplishments to date, how it will be a key cornerstone of their future and how they recognize character in others.

“When we read these essays from our young people, I am deeply moved by their resilience, courage and compassion. Having lost her mom during her freshman year, Kelsey chose to live her life by following her mom’s example of treating others with respect and kindness,” said Barb Sanders, widow of Dr. J. Scott Sanders.

In her essay, Goettl wrote about how her mom inspired her to help others. She wrote “Whether it was staying an extra 15 minutes after practice, offering to give the younger girls a ride home, or taking cooking classes with my dad so I could help cook for him, I tried my best to make every day a little better for at least one person.”

To be eligible for the scholarship, the applicant must be a high school senior and reside within the Mankato Clinic service area, which includes Mankato, North Mankato, St. Peter, Lake Crystal, Mapleton and nearby communities.