Pay It Forward Scholarship Awarded to Izzy Torgerson

As Izzy Torgerson listened to a description of the next awardee at the Mabel-Canton scholarship awards, she thought it might be one of her classmates or maybe even her. The person worked at the Gundersen Harmony Care Center and was described as a friendly person who truly cared about the residents. When her name was announced as the recipient of a Pay It Forward scholarship, it was the first that she knew about the scholarship – she was totally surprised!

Izzy received a $10,000 scholarship from a completely anonymous donor. This donor had seen a smiling Izzy interacting with the residents at Harmony Care Center while at her work experience. The donor asked a few questions to find out who Izzy was and chatted with the residents about her. The residents had nothing but praise for Izzy, explaining how she cared for them and treated them with respect and dignity.

Lana Hollar, M-C’s guidance counselor, shared how she learned about the scholarship. The superintendent had been alone at school one day when someone stopped in to ask about donating a scholarship. The superintendent passed along the message to Hollar. When she called the donor, she learned that someone had helped them when they wanted to further their education. Hollar shared that Izzy had a dream of going to college. The donor told Hollar that once a year they pay it forward by contributing to a worthy cause. They said they’d be in touch later with the amount. To Hollar’s surprise, the amount ended up being $10,000!

M-C has given out between $36,000 and $17,000 in scholarships over the last 20 years. This year 11 students were the recipients of $44,600 according to Lana Hollar. “It’s fun to give away other people’s money!” she exclaimed.

Each year between 8 to 10 students participate in work experience just as Izzy has. As a result they make valuable contacts in the community. An annual Dream Job event is held at the school with speakers from assorted careers paths to help students think about their possibilities.

Izzy’s anonymous donor has her student id number and will send the money directly to her college to be used for educational purposes such as tuition, books and fees. The donor had not read Izzy’s scholarship application essay at all; Izzy was simply in the right place at the right time doing what she always does with a smile and a positive attitude!

This fall, Izzy will be heading to the University of MInnesota Rochester to pursue a bachelor of science degree in sonography. She will learn to perform and read ultrasounds. This non-invasive procedure is used to monitor pregnancies and help doctors diagnose and treat abdominal issues. While nursing is a backup plan for Izzy, she looks forward to sonography. She feels it will be rewarding to be involved in patient care for a very special part of their health care experience.

Izzy has wanted to be part of health care since she was in eighth grade when she did a project to choose a career. She had broken a leg as a child and thought then that it was cool to be able to see ultrasounds and X-rays of a person. Another option for Izzy is to possibly go into radiology.

Since last June, Izzy has been working at Harmony Care Center. She earned her CNA license in October and worked at the center all winter. During the school year, she has been participating in work-based learning there. Every day she goes to the center from 1:00 to 2:50 p.m. to deliver ice water, walk residents and help them with range of motion exercises.

Izzy’s favorite thing about her work is learning about people’s lives. She commented, “It’s such a blessing to impact people’s lives with simple care! You can affect so many lives in positive ways!”

Sue Lenz, director of nursing at the Care Center, shared that Izzy is very enthusiastic, “She jumps in and helps whenever needed.” Lenz predicted that Izzy will do well in the health care field.

Nurse Amy Dahle volunteered, “Izzy is very helpful, very kind and always willing to help. I’m so excited for her to get that scholarship!”

Resident Cheryl Miller commented, “I don’t have words to explain her – she’s a sweetheart!”

When asked who inspires her, Izzy answered without hesitation, “My parents – they taught me to always do the right thing.  They told me to be kind to others – you don’t know what they are going through.”

Izzy enjoys life; she loves to play softball, volleyball and slow pitch summer softball. She’s been involved in National Honor Society, Scholar Club, FFA, Cougar Mentors, and was first attendant in Steam Engine Days in 2024. According to Izzy, being an attendant was a great experience. She got to meet so many people and dress up like a princess every weekend!

Obviously, that anonymous donor chose well when they decided to award the Pay It Forward scholarship to Izzy! Congratulations, Izzy; we can’t wait to see what you do in your future as you get to help people in their health journey!

Izzy will be reaching out to thank her anonymous donor. She will be writing a thank you letter and giving it to Lana Hollar to forward to her donor. She has posted a thank you to them on Facebook as well.