Winnebago Health Foundation Announces New 2025 Scholarship Winners
October 9, 2025
Winnebago, NE – The Winnebago Health Foundation is proud to announce the second round of recipients for the 2025 Foundation Scholarships. These winners have demonstrated outstanding academic achievements, community involvement, and a strong commitment to their future careers. These scholarships aim to support their educational journeys and empower them to contribute significantly to the Winnebago community.
Gregory Bass II (University of Nebraska-Lincoln)
An enrolled member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, Gregory is pursuing a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Previously serving as Chief Executive Officer of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Hocak Nisoc Haci, he successfully led fundraising efforts and oversaw the design of a new youth facility that reflects Winnebago culture and values. His continued education will help him expand his leadership and community development impact.
Belle Bearskin (Little Priest Tribal College)
An enrolled member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska and a Training Specialist at WCHS, Belle is earning her degree in Business Administration. Her education focuses on leadership development and workforce growth. She plans to use her degree to strengthen staff training, enhance employee engagement, and improve patient experience throughout the healthcare system.
Amanda Hallowell (Morningside University)
An enrolled member of the Umonhon (Omaha) Tribe of Nebraska and an inpatient registered nurse at WCHS, Amanda is pursuing her BSN with plans to continue to graduate-level education. She is passionate about improving quality care for Indigenous patients, advancing representation in the healthcare field, and incorporating traditional healing and natural remedies into modern medicine.
Jennifer Hardeman (University of North Dakota)
An enrolled member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, Jennifer serves as the Injury Prevention Coordinator at WCHS and has worked in the Winnebago community for more than 15 years. She is completing a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Indigenous Health—one of only two such programs in the country. Jennifer plans to continue into the Doctorate of Indigenous Health program after graduating in 2026 and to dedicate the remainder of her career to serving her Tribe.
Shaylee Kearnes (Little Priest Tribal College)
An enrolled member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, Shaylee is majoring in Early Childhood Education. She is committed to supporting young children’s academic, cultural, and social development while integrating Winnebago traditions and values into education. Her goal is to build a career serving local families, ensuring that early childhood programs reflect the community’s culture, language, and wellness priorities.
Jodie Moore (Western Governors University)
A dedicated nurse with 17 years of experience, Jodie began her career in inpatient care and now serves in the Wound/IV Clinic at WCHS. As a single mother and lifelong learner, she is pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with plans to become Wound Care Certified and eventually earn her Nurse Practitioner credentials.
Mia Regalado (Western Iowa Tech Community College)
An enrolled member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, Mia is an EMS trainee at WCHS and is working toward her Associate of Applied Science in Paramedicine. She is committed to applying her education directly to her work at WCHS, strengthening emergency services and care for patients across the community.
Valery Soto (Bellevue University)
A Human Resources Generalist at WCHS, Valery is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in human resources management. Her studies focus on advancing inclusive and supportive workplace practices that promote staff engagement, diversity, and professional growth. She aims to apply these skills to strengthen the workforce and improve healthcare outcomes for the Winnebago community.
The Foundation is honored to support these exceptional individuals in their educational endeavors. Their dedication and passion reflect the values and mission of our organization. We look forward to witnessing their future achievements and contributions to the Winnebago community. For more information on the Winnebago Health Foundation and to explore future scholarship opportunities, please visit https://www.wchs.health/foundation.