The California Association of Private Postsecondary Schools (CAPPS) recently recognized North-West College (NWC) student Cherie Hester as the recipient of the 2017 Marsha Fuerst Memorial Scholarship. Created to honor the legacy of North-West College Founder Marsha Fuerst, the $3,000 award is designed for female students currently enrolled in a Medical Assistant program and open to students at any CAPPS member school.
“We are so very proud of Cherie and were so excited to hear she had won this award!” shared NWC Pomona Campus Director Michelle MacIntyre, who nominated Cherie for the scholarship along with Medical Assistant Instructor Kathryn Aguirre. “We can’t think of anyone more deserving of this honor.”
Cherie Hester enrolled in North-West College’s Medical Assistant program in 2016 after deciding to return to Medical Assisting following a 10-year absence. She knew the College’s program would not only help her brush up on previously learned skills, but also prepare her to succeed in the rapidly advancing health care field.
Cherie attends NWC with her son, Greg, who is also pursuing a career as a Medical Assistant. They are set to graduate from the program at the same time—celebrating this significant milestone together.
“Cherie manages so many challenges in her personal life and still chooses to attend class every day, maintaining a 4.0 GPA with an incredibly positive attitude,” explained Instructor Kathryn Aguirre. “She also takes the time to invest in the students around her, giving them positive criticism, and pushing them to focus and work harder when they feel ready to give up.”
Cherie reflected on what the award meant to her, saying, “Marsha Fuerst’s goal was to empower women to get out into the field and work. That means a lot to me. Growing up, I always knew I wanted to be a working woman. For Marsha to step out and start a school like this—that is incredibly empowering. I’m really proud to be a representative of a scholarship that honors her.”
To learn more about the Marsha Fuerst Memorial Scholarship and other CAPPS scholarship awards, visit www.cappsonline.org/memorial-scholarships.
