Eight local students have been named 2023 college scholarship recipients of Kennebec Behavioral Health’s College Scholarship program.

The following students will each receive a $1,000 scholarship upon successful completion of their first semester at their chosen college or university. Each of these students will be pursuing a major in a field related to mental health, according to a news release from Elizabeth Keane with Kennebec Behavioral Health.

Haleigh Coukos, Cony High School, Augusta, plans to attend Southern Maine Community College.

Ally Rodrigue, Erskine Academy, South China, plans to attend Thomas College

Brooklyn Allen, Lawrence High School, Fairfield, plans to attend Thomas College

Nathalie Deane, Maranacook High School, Readfield, plans to attend Southern Maine Community College

Reagan Pratt, Mt. Blue High School, Farmington, plans to attend the University of Southern Maine.

Ethan Hobart, Waterville Senior High School, plans to attend the University of Southern Maine.

Noella Pepin, Winslow High School, plans to attend Colby College.

Aleah Childs, Winthrop High School, plans to attend University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Interested students at partnering high schools were asked to submit an application which included an essay question around why she or he is interested in pursuing a career in the behavioral health field. This year, KBH also opened applications to home-schooled students, students of Hall-Dale, Messalonskee, Maine Central Institute and Waterville Alternative High School, and students who live or go to school in Somerset and Kennebec counties.

The scholarships are made possible through scholarship program developed to invest in the future mental health professionals. Funds for the program are raised through donations as well as KBH’s annual “A Night Out” community event and themed basket raffle.

Kennebec Behavioral Health operates clinics in Waterville, Skowhegan, Winthrop, Augusta and Farmington.

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