RHAU Celebrates 14 Outstanding Scholarship Recipients for 2026

May 4, 2026

ST. GEORGE, UTAH — The Rural Health Association of Utah (RHAU) is pleased to introduce the recipients of its 2026 Student Scholarship program, recognizing the next generation of healthcare professionals committed to serving rural communities.

Access to care in rural areas remains closely tied to workforce development, and research from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) continues to show that students with rural roots are far more likely to return to similar communities to practice. RHAU sees this pattern reflected across healthcare disciplines statewide — including within its own leadership. Most of the healthcare providers serving on the RHAU Board of Directors began their journey in a rural Utah community and now gives back through service in those same types of settings.

In its second year, the scholarship program drew more than 50 applications from students representing rural high schools throughout Utah. From this highly competitive group, RHAU has selected 14 students who demonstrate strong academic achievement and a clear commitment to improving health outcomes in rural areas.

The 2026 RHAU Student Scholarship recipients are:

• Madison White, Rich High School – Nursing

• Riyo Winckel, Piute High School – Radiology Tech

• Abbie Butkovich-Auty, Carbon High School – Pre-Dental

• Dustin Breakfield, Uintah High School – Doctor of Dentistry

• Kynlee Sperry, Juab High School – Occupational Therapy

• Talan Dyreng, Gunnison Valley High School – Occupational Therapy or PA

• Maggie Stephens, Millard High School – Nursing

• Taylor Otterness, North Summit High School – Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

• Carly England, Rich High School – Nursing

• Tessa Ann Slade, Monticello High School – Radiology

• Taylor Barker, Parowan High School – Integrative Health Science

• Gracie Bromley, Union High School – Population Health

• Maycee Selin, South Sevier High School – Dietetics and Nutrition

• Lexy Rushton, Panguitch High School – Dietetics and Nutrition

“This year’s applicant pool was incredibly strong and speaks to the passion students in rural Utah have for pursuing careers in healthcare,” said Kasey Shakespear, Executive Director of RHAU. “Our recipients represent a wide range of disciplines and training levels, and we’re proud to support them as they continue their education and, hopefully, return to serve rural communities across the state.”

The scholarship program is funded through the Annual RHAU Scholarship Golf Tournament, which continues to expand as community engagement grows. The 2026 tournament will be held on Friday, November 6, at Southgate Golf Club in St. George.

“Each year, this event creates more opportunities for students who want to make a difference in rural healthcare,” Shakespear added. “We look forward to building on that momentum and increasing our impact in the years ahead. Come out and join us this year and help us continue to grow our scholarship program!”

Registration and sponsorships are now open at www.rhau.org/conference-golf-tournament.

For more information about the Rural Health Association of Utah or the Student Scholarship Program, please contact info@rhau.org.