J. Scott Sanders, M.D., scholarship is awarded to two students

MANKATO (May 21, 2024) — The Mankato Clinic Foundation awarded $2,000 J. Scott Sanders, M.D., Memorial Scholarships to two graduating seniors, for a total of $4,000.  

• Gracie Langworthy, of Mankato and Mankato East High School, received a $2,000 scholarship to attend the University of Northern Iowa in the fall.
• Elizabeth Sell, of Gaylord and Sibley East High School, received a $2,000 scholarship to attend the University of Wisconsin-Stout in the fall.

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 a lifelong impact on others. To apply for the scholarship, applicants write about a time when their character or someone else’s character made a difference in their life or the lives of others and what they learned from this experience.

“Every year when we read these essays, our scholarship committee is moved by the experiences and depth of character of our applicants. We have some inspiring young people in our community,” says Barb Sanders, widow of Dr. J. Scott Sanders. “We chose Gracie and Elizabeth as our 2024 scholars for their insight and dedication to helping others.”

In her essay, Langworthy recounted a life-changing mission trip to Belize City where she met a family whose basic human needs were not met. She wrote: The simple things that I take for granted based on where I was born and where I live were challenged in my time with this family. I’ve never truly known what it is like to struggle. To not have the things I need or want. …My outlook was widened to how I could dedicate more of myself to helping others.

In her essay, Sell shared an emotionally painful day when she began her journey toward better mental health. She wrote: I want to help those who are struggling in secret. When I am older, I hope I have made an impact in someone’s life. I hope I made their day a little bit better by doing something they truly needed. I hope that as I grow, I continue to spread empathy and joy to those around me.

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. For more information, visit www.mankatoclinic.com/foundation-pages/mankato-clinic-foundation.

About Mankato Clinic Foundation

A small, dedicated group of physicians started the Mankato Clinic Foundation in 1965, making it one of the oldest foundations in Minnesota. In the last 10 years, the foundation has given more than $2 million to fund local programs, scholarships and organizations that improve people’s health and wellness. The foundation receives the majority of its funding from Mankato Clinic physicians, along with giving by Mankato Clinic staff and the greater Mankato community.