Local Students Receive Minerva Ponce, MD Memorial Scholarship

Wednesday, July 12th, 2023 -- 10:01 AM

Morgan Reichl and Hannah Vakoc of Assumption High School and Alexandria Marcoux of Lincoln High School have been awarded the Minerva Ponce, MD Memorial Scholarship.

The scholarship fund was established with Aspirus Riverview Foundation in memory of Dr. Minerva “Mimi” Ponce by Mimi’s husband, Dr. Mario Ponce, and family. Mimi was a vibrant physician who practiced internal medicine at the Doctors Clinic in Wisconsin Rapids for more than 25 years.

She passed away unexpectedly in 2002 and will always be remembered for her compassionate service and generosity to our community. To honor Mimi’s memory and the importance of healthcare professionals, a $1,000 scholarship has been awarded to each of the three recipients to help them pursue a medical education. Dr.  Ponce and family chose these students based on their promise and achievements toward becoming healthcare professionals.

This year’s scholarship recipients shared that their aspirations stem from “a love to help ease others and comfort them in times of need or stress, as well as to improve their state of living so they no longer have to suffer; beating cancer and wanting to be able to help people navigate their journey the same way so many have done for her; and a love for the human body and desire to better understand the human mind and people’s actions to be able to create a safe, happy, and productive environment.”

We look forward to the day Morgan, Hannah, and Alexandria join the healthcare professionals who help and inspire a healthy, happy, and thriving community. 

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.