MASON HEALTH AWARDS FULL-RIDE HEALTH SCIENCES ACADEMY NURSING SCHOLARSHIPS TO FOUR SHELTON HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS

SHELTON, WA – Mason Health is honored to announce that four deserving Shelton High School seniors were chosen as recipients of The District’s Health Sciences Academy nursing scholarship: Emma Oleachea, Monse Gonzalez Cruz, Jacob Udarbe, and William Webb. The scholarship provides the students with funding to cover all tuition, books, uniforms, lab and simulation fees, and licensure application and examination fees associated with obtaining their license.

“As Chief Nursing Officer, I believe the healthcare scholarships and our partnership with the school districts are an investment in the future of healthcare in Mason County,” said Melissa Strong, MSN, RHCNOC, RN, Chief Nursing Officer at Mason Health. “By supporting aspiring nurses in our community, we are building a strong, compassionate workforce that will care for our neighbors for generations to come and ensure a brighter, healthier future for all.”

“The Health Science Academy scholarship is more than financial support – it’s an investment in future caregivers who will one day serve the community that raised them,” said Nicole Eddins, PharmD, CPHQ, Senior Director of Performance Excellence at Mason Health.

The scholarship committee is composed of Strong, Eddins, and Vinita Singh, MBA, MN, RN, CCRN, Assistant Chief Nursing Officer at Mason Health.

In their applications, all four students told touching stories of why they want to become healthcare professionals. They have demonstrated strong abilities in the classroom and serve as role models and mentors to their fellow students, peers, and the community.

Oleachea was involved in student leadership and was a member of the varsity cheerleading team. Outside of school she volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, helping to provide food, clothing, and shelter to low-income members of her community. Throughout her time in high school, she built a reputation among freshmen, teachers, and administrators as a compassionate, caring, kind, and mature individual. 

“Her journey has not always been easy, but her resilience and strength of character have shaped her into a thoughtful, respectful, and determined individual,” said one of Emma’s teachers. “She has an admirable ability to overcome challenges with grace and focus, and I have no doubt she will continue to thrive and make a positive impact wherever life takes her.”

Gonzalez Cruz volunteered at Mason Clinic during high school and completed the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at New Market Skills Center in Tumwater while enrolled at SHS. Despite facing challenges during her high school career that threatened to derail her progress, she stayed on track and earned certifications in several areas, including Bloodborne Pathogen, CPR/First Aid, DSHS Mental Health Specialty, and DSHS Dementia Specialty. 

“I have been consistently impressed by her determination, maturity, and dedication to pursuing a career in healthcare,” said one of her teachers at Shelton High School. “Despite significant challenges, she has remained committed to her education and her long-term goals. She is responsible, hardworking, and driven by a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of patients and families.”

Udarbe is a member of the National Honors Society, has participated in the Mason Health job shadow program, and served as a 2025 student intern at Mason General Hospital. He was very involved in extracurricular activities outside of his studies, serving as secretary and trumpet section leader for the SHS band and competing in cross country and track. He is also involved in the community, volunteering his time at local events like OysterFest.

“As a team player, Jacob approaches each task with enthusiasm, diligence, and a focus on achieving the best possible outcome for everyone,” said one of Jacob’s teachers. “I have no doubt that Jacob will continue to excel in any future endeavors and bring the same level of commitment, leadership, and positivity to his next chapter.”

Webb shared a class rank of 1 out of 305 seniors and was a member of the National Honors Society. He has been a longtime member of the Boy Scouts of America, where he is on track to earn the rank of Eagle Scout. He is also involved in the community, volunteering at community events, organizing service events, and organizing trail cleanup projects at Southside School. 

“I have watched him grow as a student and as a leader, a young scholar, and a genuinely good person,” said one of William’s Shelton High School instructors. “Students like William come along rarely. He is sincere, intelligent, purpose-driven, and quietly determined to make a meaningful impact in the world.”

Mason Health, Public Hospital District No. 1 of Mason County is ISO 9001 Quality Management System certified by Det Norske Veritas (DNV) and is a licensed and accredited acute care hospital with a level four emergency trauma designation. The Board of Hospital District Commissioners are Don Welander, President, Lori Brady, Secretary, and Pamela Schlauderaff, Trustee. Mason General Hospital and Mason Clinic are ENERGY STAR® certified and Mason Health is the recipient of one Practice Greenhealth Environmental Excellence Award, three Partner for Change Awards, two Greening the Operating Room Awards, the Making Medicine Mercury Free Award, the 2025 Emerald Award, and the 2026 Greenhealth Champion Award. To learn more about Mason Health’s sustainability efforts, visit https://www.masonhealth.com/about/sustainability-environmental-stewardship. There are more than 100 physicians on staff in 19 specialties. For more information or to find a health care provider, visit www.masonhealth.com. To learn more about DNV, visit www.dnv.com/healthcare.