by Cori Hilsgen
news@thenewsleaders.com
Emily Boysen of St. Joseph was recently awarded a $500 scholarship from Arlington Place Assisted Living.
Boysen is the daughter of Gene and Terri Boysen. She has one brother, Eric, 22.
She attended Kennedy Elementary School, kindergarten through sixth grade, and recently graduated from Apollo High School.
Boysen works as a lifeguard at the YMCA and plans to study nursing at Augustana College in Sioux Falls, S.D. in the fall.
“Receiving the Arlington Place scholarship is such a honor, especially to be chosen out of all the well-qualified applicants,” Boysen said. “I appreciate it so much and I can’t wait to continue my education this fall.”
Boysen visited Arlington Place residents monthly for about two years, along with other Resurrection Lutheran Church members, who participated in sing-alongs with the residents.
“I remember always looking forward to going and just thinking it was the coolest thing ever,” she said. “I stopped going because I got involved with other evening activities.”
Boysen said she has always been interested in the medical field but didn’t decide she wanted to study nursing until a few years ago.
“I wanted to be a nurse because I want to positively impact people’s lives and work hands-on with people,” Boysen said.
Arlington Place housing manager Karen Hennessy said they give a scholarship each year to a graduating senior in the area, with possible connections to their facility, who plans to go into the medical field.
“Emily was very involved in many activities at school and in the community,” Hennessy said. “She seemed very caring and I feel (she) will be a great nurse someday.”
During high school, Boysen participated in swimming and golf and was a captain for both sports. She also was the Apollo Student Union President, participated in National Honor Society, Green Club, band and was a Junior Rotarian. Boysen also tried softball and Nordic skiing.
Some of her interests include playing with her pets, a springer spaniel named Molly and a black cat named Sasha. She also enjoys water skiing and anything water-related, reading and writing letters. Her books of choice include anything by Nicholas Sparks or If I Stay by Gayle Forman.
Boysen’s favorite music includes Taylor Swift songs, both old and new, and her favorite movie is The Lion King. She enjoys eating macaroni and cheese and her favorite restaurant is Noodles and Co.
“The biggest challenge I’ll face with going to college is saying goodbye to my dog, becoming more independent and eating healthy since there are buffets for every meal,” Boysen said.
Arlington Place Assisted Living housing manager Karen Hennessy (right) presented a $500 scholarship to recipient Emily Boysen.
