Tommy Stewart and Catherine Dischner have made a life caring for others.  The couple met while working as nurses at the same hospital, and they both served in the Nurse Corps for the U.S. Navy.  Now, in their retirement, through the WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital Foundation, the couple is helping future nurses with the Caston Stewart Scholarship.

Each year, the scholarship is awarded to three recipients who are pursuing a career in nursing – one high school senior and two WellSpan team members. The scholarship was named in honor of Tommy and Catherine’s grandson, who they have been raising since he was a baby. It has awarded $25,000 to recipients in the last two years.

This year, when faced with the decision to choose between two of the finalists, Tommy and Catherine couldn’t decide. So, they spontaneously added a fourth recipient.

The recipients recently were recognized at an awards ceremony at WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital, where they met Caston himself, along with Tommy and Catherine. The awardees include WellSpan team members Kelli Benner, Ling Yan and Madison Six, as well as Bermudian Springs High School senior Aliza Staub.

From left, Catherine, Caston, Madison Six, Aliza Staub, Ling Yan, Kelli Benner, Tommy and Kim Shank.

“We know how difficult it can be today to get through nursing school and just want to help as many individuals as we can,” says Catherine. “We see a lot of physicians and are so impressed with our care at WellSpan and we’ve had nothing but positive experiences there over the years. Tommy and I wanted to give back and help contribute to the future of nursing in Adams County since these nurses are essentially caring for everyone in the community. Helping them succeed assures that our community gets the best care available.”

Kim Shank, director of clinical development at WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital, manages the scholarship and loves to witness how it impacts future nurses.

“I’ve been mentoring nurses-to-be for years and just love watching people grow,” says Kim. “Seeing the joy that this scholarship brings to recipients is so special. I’m so proud to be a part of this scholarship and help generate the next generation of nurses.”

One of last year’s scholarship recipients was Abigail Smith, a registered nurse in the float pool at WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital. The award allowed her to pursue her master’s degree in nursing and most importantly, earn it at her own pace.

“I’m so grateful for this scholarship and to Tommy and Catherine for providing me with such an amazing opportunity,” says Abigail. “It gave me more financial freedom so I could get my degree without being restricted with other needs.”

Both Catherine and Tommy look forward to offering the scholarship for years to come and supporting nurses in Adams County.

“Throughout my life, there’s always been someone one step ahead of me who was willing to reach their hand back and help me move to my next step,” says Tommy. “We will always be there to offer that hand to anyone who needs it.”

If you or a member of your family experienced great care from a WellSpan nurse, please consider a gift in their honor by visiting wellspan.org/donate.