United Helpers Awards Helen S. Randles Scholarships

United Helpers Awards Helen S. Randles Scholarships

CANTON –Two students from Harrisville Central School and a student from Lisbon Central School were honored with this year’s Helen S. Randles Scholarships.

This year’s winners were selected from a field of nearly two dozen applicants, who are all seeking to work in the healthcare field.

“To work in the healthcare, you have to be in it for the right reasons,” said United Helpers Vice President of Operations Timothy Parsons. “These are jobs where you will be relied on to make others feel better and that is whether you are having a great day or a terrible day.”

Mr. Parsons said that he could tell by reading each of the winners’ applications that they are up for the task.

“You will be asked to be caring, even when it is hard. It can feel thankless at times, but it is also one of the most fulfilling and rewarding careers you can embark on,” he said. “We are glad that you are taking on this challenge. The future of healthcare is in good hands.”

One of this year’s winners already works for United Helpers, as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at the Lisbon IRA. Esther McKeever, of Lisbon has worked at the IRA since April of 2025. She will be attending SUNY Canton and has been accepted into the school’s nursing program. Esther is the daughter of Jillian Langley and Ben McKeever. She is planning to become a Registered Nurse and earn her bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Joining her at SUNY Canton will be Avery Chartrand, of Pitcairn. Ms. Chartrand will be graduating from Harrisville Central School and will also be enrolled in the nursing program in Canton. She is the daughter of Anthony and Sonja Chartrand and is planning to become a Registered Nurse and earn her bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Violet Atkinson, of Fowler will also be graduating from Harrisville Central School. She will be attending Houghton University and is majoring in exercise science. She is hoping to become a physical therapist and advocate for females in athletics. Ms. Atkinson is the daughter of Parish and Jade Atkinson.

Each year United Helpers awards three $1,000 scholarships, which are funded through an endowment created by the late Helen S. Randles, who established the scholarship more than 40 years ago to provide merit-based aid for students from St. Lawrence County who are looking to enter the health care field.

Mrs. Randles was a long-time United Helpers volunteer and former President of the Management Company Board of Directors. She placed great value on education and particularly helping prepare youth to enter the health care field.