BELTON, Mo., (May 12, 2025) – Ayla Dew, Belton High School senior, is the recipient of the top first-year scholarship from Cass Community Health Foundation.
The Daniel F. Sheehan Nursing Scholarship is an award of $2,500 and was created to honor Daniel F. Sheehan. Sheehan was the former CEO of Research Belton Hospital, now Belton Regional Medical Center. The scholarship honors his commitment to improving the health of residents in northern Cass County and southern Jackson County.
"As someone deeply passionate about health care and committed to making a positive impact in my community, this support will help me continue on the path toward becoming a skilled and compassionate professional,” Dew said. “The Daniel F. Sheehan Nursing Scholarship is more than just financial aid—it is a vote of confidence in my potential and my ability to contribute meaningfully to the field. "
Dew plans to attend the University of Kansas in Lawrence to pursue a degree in nursing.
Each year, the Daniel F. Sheehan Nursing Scholarship is awarded to a Cass County or Grandview high school senior interested in studying nursing. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. The award is presented to a student that exemplifies an abiding interest in the welfare of others, inspires others to be their very best, serves as a role model, exhibits personal integrity, and is involved in the community.
“We are honored to recognize Ayla’s dedication to pursuing a nursing career,” Cynthia Randazzo, Cass Community Health Foundation president, said. “Scholarships like the Daniel F. Sheehan Nursing Scholarship help us invest in the future of health care and ensure our community continues to benefit from compassionate and skilled professionals like Ayla.”
Cass Community Health Foundation has awarded $35,500 in scholarships to 29 students from Cass County and the surrounding area pursuing careers in health care. The foundation provides scholarships to high school seniors from Archie High School, Belton High School, Drexel High School, Grandview High School, Harrisonville High School, Heartland Christian School, Midway High School, Pleasant Hill High School, Raymore-Peculiar High School, Sherwood Cass High School, or Training Center Christian School interested in nursing or other health related degrees.
Additional scholarship recipients from Belton High School include Fernando Borrego, Danielle Lopez, and Isaac Michelena Juarez.
Scholarship recipients from Raymore-Peculiar High School include Ashlyn Arnett, Bricelyn Betts, Payton Dudek, Ankita Kapoor, Jadynne Mitchell, Kali Schroeder, and Natalie Wells.
Former Cass County students pursuing a nursing degree who have previously received a scholarship from Cass Community Health Foundation were also awarded renewal scholarships. Belton High School graduates Susan Comstock, a third-year recipient, and Ava Spiller, a second-year recipient, were awarded scholarships. Raymore-Peculiar High School graduate Sarah Larkins was awarded a renewal scholarship for the fourth consecutive year. Tallie Scott and Emma Zeysing, also Raymore-Peculiar High School graduates, received third-year scholarships as well Cali Cooper, Sloan Myers, Olivia Nelson, Irelynn Sload, and Kylin Sousley receiving second-year scholarships. Students from Belton High School, Raymore-Peculiar High School, or Grandview High School who are studying nursing are eligible for funding each year of their education.
Scholarship recipients from Pleasant Hill High School include Isabella Kietzmann, Addilyn Miller, Kennady Thornsberry, and Caia Underwood. Jasmine Pickens from Grandview High School and Roberto Chavez from Harrisonville High School were also awarded scholarships.
Cass Community Health Foundation also provides scholarships to students enrolled in area practical nursing programs. Applicants must have graduated from a high school in Cass County or currently reside in the county to be eligible. Cass Career Center student Alizay Zellers was awarded a scholarship.
Funding for the scholarships is made available through designated funds established by community donors to support local students.
Visit casscommuntiyhealth.org/scholarships for more information about the scholarship program.
