Tristen Poe, a La Porte nursing student, recently received Franciscan Health Michigan City’s Maria Petti Memorial Scholarship.
Poe was accepted into Indiana University Bloomington’s nursing program in 2023. He will graduate with a nursing degree in six years with minors in psychology and medical sciences. After graduation, he plans to pursue a doctoral degree and become a certified registered nurse anesthetist.
The Maria Petti Memorial Scholarship aims to help students with their educational expenses. The scholarship fund was established in 2009 as a memorial to the late Maria Petti. Petti served at Franciscan Health Michigan City for 35 years as a nurse and peri-operative director. Petti died of cancer in 2008 at the age of 53.
“Franciscan Health Michigan City is pleased to carry on Maria Petti's legacy with the scholarship named in her memory,” said Sarah Jones, Franciscan Health Michigan City vice president and chief nursing officer, in a press release. “We congratulate Tristen on his scholarship award and wish him all the best in his future nursing career.”
Poe has worked at Franciscan Health Michigan City in a number of capacities as he has simultaneously pursued his nursing degree. He has served as a patient companion, student talent acquisition intern and patient care novice.
The 2020 La Porte High School graduate settled on nursing after being inspired by his mother and aunts, all of whom are involved in the nursing field.
“Having learned their experiences and gains from their careers opened my eyes to a path I could see myself pursuing,” Poe said. “It was a mold which fit into my idealistic profession. It was because of them that I have never looked back. They continue to be my guides, my shoulders to lean on, my inspiration.”
Poe expressed his gratitude for the scholarship.
“To be a recipient of the Maria Petti Scholarship is an absolute honor, as it not only makes me feel valued for my hard work and commitment to being the best student, co-worker and neighbor I can be, but also gives me strength to continue my nursing journey and reach for greater opportunities,” Poe said. “… The values of Franciscan, of nursing and of Maria Petti herself will guide me through these aspirations and bring forth a better version of myself to serve my community.”
