2026 Hutton Foundation Yuma County Scholarship Recipient Karen Leonhardt
Karen found herself in a caregiving role very early as the oldest daughter of four children. She earned her associate degree in nursing from Colby Community College in 2016. She began her career at Wray Community District Hospital in the ER, medical/surgical units, and obstetrics. She further developed her scope and flexibility as a travel nurse for Medical Solutions. She completed her Bachelor of Science in nursing from Grand Canyon University in 2025 and has served as a house coordinator at Yuma District Hospital since 2025.
Karen has begun her master’s degree through Regis University and plans to graduate in May of 2028. She aspires to become a mental health nurse practitioner and serve her community in Yuma County.
Pictured Left to Right: Karen Leonhardt and Jennie Jolliffe (Scholarship Committee Member).
2026 Hutton Foundation Kit Carson County Scholarship Recipient Samantha Williams
Samantha’s inspiration to become a nurse began when her grandmother became ill, and she became her caregiver. She furthered her education as a certified nurse assistant, working in Hugo Simla, Colorado Springs, and Castle Rock before becoming a medical assistant at Parke Health in Burlington.
Samantha is now a student at Colby Community College and plans to graduate in 2027 as an associate prepared registered nurse and then continue her education with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. She is a valuable employee at Parke Health and intends to continue her service at Kit Carson County Health Service District.
Pictured Left to Right: Cathy Walp (Scholarship Committee Member), Samantha Williams, and Jennie Jolliffe (Scholarship Committee Member).
Jim Hutton ran a successful farm and ranch located in the southeast corner of Yuma County, just east of Bonny Dam. Later in life, Jim required skilled nursing care both in his own home and in a nursing home. While being cared for, Jim came to understand the value of excellent nursing care. He knew that quality nurses came from quality secondary education programs and wanted to ensure individuals pursuing nursing education would have access to financial support. This desire resulted in the formation of the Jim Hutton Education Foundation.
Since Jim’s passing, the Jim Hutton Education Foundation Board of Directors has continued to fulfill the wishes of Jim Hutton by providing loans and scholarships to nursing students who are residents of Kit Carson County and Yuma County, Colorado.
Education Financing for Medical Professionals
The Jim Hutton Education Foundation was established to help those pursuing careers in the medical field obtain affordable financing for their education. The foundation offers low-interest loans to students who are interested in pursuing careers in nursing. Eligible degree programs include:
- Licensed Practical Nurse
- Associate Degree in Nursing
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Masters of Science in Nursing
- Doctorate Nursing Programs
Applicants must be residents of Kit Carson or Yuma Counties.
Why Should I Apply?
The foundation offers loans at a very low-interest rate, currently 3%. This can help make your education very affordable. Please keep in mind that the proceeds are intended to assist you in paying for the costs of room and board, books, and tuition.
How do I Learn More or Apply?
For questions or an application, contact Jennie Jolliffe at jrjolliffe79@gmail.com.