Ely Student Awarded Molter Museum Scholarship
Wilderness First Responders Scholarship Helps Local Student Pursue Nursing Degree
The Dorothy Molter Museum announced that Ely Memorial High School graduating senior, Mackenzie Peterson, is this year’s recipient of its annual Wilderness First Responders’ Scholarship, which is awarded to residents of northeastern Minnesota pursuing a degree or continuing education in a medical field. The scholarship was established by the Dorothy Molter Museum to honor Dorothy Molter’s legacy of serving thousands of visitors who came to her for medical care during their wilderness trips in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
“This is our fourth year offering a scholarship opportunity and the first year we’ve had the honor of awarding it to a lifetime Ely resident” said Executive Director, Jess Edberg. “Ms. Peterson is pursuing a career in nursing and her plans include staying in Ely to serve her community. Her passion for helping others was apparent in her application and embodies the spirit of Dorothy.”
Dorothy Molter was always concerned with the physical well-being of others and gave freely of her medical knowledge to all who came her way. To give back to the community that supported Dorothy, the Dorothy Molter Memorial Foundation (Dorothy Molter Museum) awards one scholarship per year up to $1,000.00 from the Wilderness First Responders’ Fund. This scholarship is funded by contributions made from staff, board, volunteers, members, supporters and guests of the Dorothy Molter Museum.
“Dorothy and I share similarities such as our love of sports and nursing careers,” stated Ms. Peterson. “I played volleyball from 6th grade up to my senior year, and will continue to play at Mesabi Range College, where I’ll start my nursing career as an LPN. I never thought twice about choosing a different career because I’ve always wanted to be a nurse and help others!”
The Board and Staff at the Museum are incredibly proud and will be presenting Ms. Peterson her scholarship award at the May 8 ceremony at Ely’s Washington Elementary School.
Scholarship applications are located at www.rootbeerlady.com and donations for this fund are accepted at both online and at the Museum in Ely. The next scholarship cycle will be in spring 2020.
The Dorothy Molter Museum strives to inspire the next generation of Northwoods stewards to make a significant contribution toward a better world through Dorothy’s legacy of perseverance, integrity and generosity. It has been preserving and interpreting Northwoods wilderness heritage through learning opportunities inspired by Dorothy Molter, the last non-indigenous resident of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness for over 25 years.