Above: Danielle Scanes and Krupa Patel
HELENA – Carroll College students Krupa Patel and Danielle Scanes were awarded the 2021 George M. Dennison Civic Engagement Scholarship by Montana Campus Compact for volunteering significant time, energy, and resources – while pursuing a degree – to projects that make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. They were two of sixteen Montana college students statewide to receive this scholarship.
A sophomore nursing major and business administration minor from Central Point, Ore., Krupa Patel offers her helping hands wherever needed while volunteering for the Rocky Mountain Care Center in Helena and at God’s Love. She also volunteers her time at Mercy Flight Explorer Post 131, an ambulance service-oriented group for future medical professionals and others.
“My vision for the world would be accessible healthcare for all, whether it is a provider or even a registered nurse available 24/7 in all areas. As an individual, I cannot provide care to all rural areas, but I can put myself in a place where there is a need,” said Patel.
Danielle Scanes, a junior from Everett, Wash., is on the pre-med track with a major in biology and minors in chemistry and Spanish. The homeless epidemic has been the center of her service since the sixth grade. Scanes is a regular volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, the St. Vincent DePaul Food Bank, and Mercy Watch where she supports the homeless through everything from food and meals to housing.
“Giving back to the community is my priority in everything I do whether it is socially, politically, educationally, or financially,” said Scanes. “Socially, I strive to be a role model for those I mentor. Politically, I vote for those who will make the biggest difference for the marginalized and encourage others to exercise their right to vote. Educationally, I push myself to learn more about the inequities in today’s society and what steps need to be taken. Financially, I donate supplies and money to various organizations, the most important donation being my time and talent. “
Montana Campus Compact (MTCC), a seventeen-member higher education network that advances the public purposes of higher education, awarded the sixteen students across the state of Montana with MTCC 2021 George M. Dennison Civic Engagement Scholarships. Half of the funds for each $1,000 scholarship have been donated in memory of George M. Dennison by Jane Dennison and sons, Rick and Robert Dennison, and their families. George Dennison was a tireless champion of service and the co-founder of Montana Campus Compact. The other half of each scholarship is matched by the winners’ institutions.