Left: Brigitte Spencer of York, Maine volunteers at York Hospital during the Sanford Open House in 2018. Right: Brigitte during her senior year at Bryant University, Smithfield, RI.
The Carroll Family and The Rossiter Family Scholarship for Volunteerism Committee celebrates the college graduation of its first recipient who received the scholarship over four years ago. Brigitte Spencer of York, Maine, cheerily reminisced about her volunteer time at York Hospital saying, “When filling out the York Hospital volunteer application, I was intrigued by the Friendraising department. After a little research, I learned that Friendraising was a combination of fundraising, marketing and graphic design. I discovered through my volunteer work on their team that marketing is perfect for me. I was even able to join the department members at a conference that highlighted women in the business world and mentorships. This experience was the cherry on top because it showed me that one day, I not only wanted to become, but truly could become, a successful businesswoman.”
Now four years later, Brigitte has graduated from Bryant University in Smithfield, RI, and admits that Bryant was a life changing experience. “I grew out of my shell and became a more confident person,” said Spencer. She graduated from Bryant last spring earning a BS in business administration with a concentration in marketing, and a double minor in communications and global supply chain management. After graduation, Brigitte accepted a full-time position at Target as an executive team leader for service and engagement. Mentioning that she chose Bryant for its strong marketing program and business school, Brigitte acknowledges with enthusiasm, “it has prepared me for success.” You can hear Brigitte speak about her experience here.
After five years, and nearly $25,000 in scholarships awarded to high school seniors residing in one of York Hospital’s community service areas, the committee is excited to begin the process again. Mrs. Patricia Rossiter of York, Maine, will award up to two $3,000 scholarships to class of 2022 high school graduates for their freshman year of college
“This scholarship was set up to honor my parents and my son. My father was a remarkable man who always wanted to help young people succeed. He used to say, ‘No one can take away your education.’ And like my father, I hope this scholarship helps young students begin their educational journeys—with a little bit of help and the knowledge that others both believe in and support them. It not only rewards students for their studies and activities, but encourages them to volunteer at York Hospital and gain valuable experience in helping others, too,” said Rossiter.
“We are honored to work with Pat Rossiter who set up the scholarship fund six years ago for York Hospital high school volunteers who have given over 50 hours of volunteer service. Pat is a member of the committee and is such a joy to work with,” offered Kate Ford, who oversees the York Hospital Volunteer Program. “It takes commitment on behalf of these very talented high school volunteers, who often have competing scholastic, athletic and community service demands along with additional creative interests, but still find time to volunteer at York Hospital,” said Ford.
To be eligible this year, scholarship applicants must be class of 2022 high school seniors who are active volunteers at York Hospital; have volunteered at York Hospital for a minimum of 50 hours; are from a high school within the York Hospital service area of Kittery, Eliot, The Berwicks, Sanford, Lebanon, Kennebunk, Wells, Moody, Ogunquit and York; and plan to enter an institution of higher learning. For those who qualify, applications must be submitted on or before Friday, April 1, 2022.
For more information about the scholarship and volunteering at York Hospital, please contact Kate Ford at [email protected] or .