Graduating senior Kelsey Baker was named the recipient of the 2007 Karen Peppel Memorial Scholarship.

Baker has been accepted to the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks where she plans to study to become a physical therapist. Baker is an avid athlete and became interested in physical therapy while rehabilitating her own sports injuries.

 “The physical therapists and physical therapy assistants that worked with me pushed me to my limits to help me become a stronger individual,” Kelsey wrote in her application essay. “These people have inspired me to help other people going through difficult times so that they can get back to doing the things they want or need to do in their lives.”

 In addition to an outstanding academic record, and athletic participation, Baker has also been involved in many pursuits for the benefit of others.  She has been a basketball coach for elementary students, a member of the Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) Leadership and Advisory Board, and a volunteer at Bridges Care Community.

 “I became aware of the fact that many (residents of care facilities) are in need of some kind of physical therapy.  Through my volunteers work I learned so much from the residents about the power of showing someone that you care about them.”

 “Her commitment to the community and history of academic success were a couple of the primary reasons she was chosen,” said Bridges CEO and Selection Committee Member Dan Rohrbach.  “We were proud to help the Peppel family select someone who embodies the spirit of caring and commitment that Karen demonstrated throughout her life and her career as a nurse and educator.”

 The $1,000 scholarship is awarded by the Peppel family to one candidate from Norman County East, Ada-Borup, or Norman County West High School each spring.