York Hospital Announces 2024 Recipients of the Carroll Family and Michael C. Rossiter Scholarship

Left to right: Brodi Hay, York High School, Patrick Taylor, MD,
York Hospital President & CEO, and Delia Balakier, York High School.

Sylvester and Ruth Carroll believed in rewarding students who demonstrate strength of character, a strong will, and a sense of commitment. Each year York Hospital awards The Carroll Family and Michael C. Rossiter Scholarship to student volunteers who exhibit these traits in their daily interactions. The York Hospital Scholarship Committee is pleased to announce the Class of 2024 recipients: Delia Balakier and Brodi Hay of York High School, each awarded a $5,000 scholarship to further their education.

Delia Balakier, a 2024 graduate of York High School is enrolled at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, S.C. where she will be a student in their nursing program this fall. Delia plans to study anesthesiology, with the hope of pursuing a career as a nurse anesthetist. Delia’s interest in science is evident in both her essay and praise from YHS science teacher, who lauded her as “one of the strongest science students. . . and nicest people attending YHS,” also referencing her fascination with biochemistry, AP biology, and mastery of an organic chemistry independent study, not to mention a willingness to tutor the other members of her lab team. Delia noted, “The study of science, logic, and reason and its interconnectedness has always intrigued me. . . how living things interact has sparked many revolutionary ideas throughout time.”

During her high school career, Delia was a member of the National Honor Society, World Language Honor Society, and made the honor roll throughout all four years. Active in non-academic activities as well, she was the historian for the Future Business Leader of America, and a member of Eco Club, Young Women’s Leadership Club, Student Council, and Prom Committee. Outside of the YHS campus, Delia was a dance mentor, peer listener, and provided companionship and assistance to a local older adult, helping her to organize her home. Throughout the past three years, Delia also babysat for neighbors on a set weekly schedule, worked as a barista in a juicery and a restaurant hostess in Perkins Cove. 

As a scholarship recipient, Delia also made time to volunteer at York Hospital in Dining & Nutrition where she received praise for her pleasant and polite interaction with patients, in addition to her punctuality and dependability. She credits her time at the hospital for allowing her to see firsthand the impact every healthcare worker has on the care and recovery of each patient. Delia’s combination of academic acumen and emotional intelligence will serve her well on the path to a successful career in health care.

Brodi Hay graduated from York High School’s class of 2024 in June and will enter the freshman class at the University of Maine at Orono this fall.  His academic schedule will combine a traditional business education and sports industry-specific courses, with plans to pursue a career in Sports Management.

Those who know Brodi are not surprised by his choice of major, as he has always had an affinity for sports, whether through participation or his avid reading and research of teams from coast to coast. Active in York football from age five through senior year, Brodi has also had a keen interest in the construct of football and its teams; in particular, his favorite, the San Francisco 49ers. This interest progressed to a passion for learning all that is involved in building one – from finance and operations to marketing.  A well-rounded student, Brodi’s Business & Technology instructor noted that his excellence and motivation in Financial Literacy and Accounting, along with his talent on the football field and the track, should serve him well in his future sports management pursuits.

In addition to keeping busy with teammates, Brodi’s work ethic shone as early as eighth grade, and since then has held positions in local eateries and stores. He still found time to participate in Sober Friends, volunteer for Toys for Tots, and visit with York Housing’s senior residents.  His volunteer experience at York Hospital spanned more than four years of high school, where he donated far beyond the requisite 50 hours needed to apply for this scholarship. Brodi was a contributing member of the Community Relations team, who relied on his help for ongoing projects and annual events; they greatly benefited from his dedication as he volunteered from home during COVID’s tight restrictions. Whether ensuring the inpatient guides were filled with up-to-date information for patients and families, folding brochures, or lending a hand at the water stops for the annual York Hospital 5K Road Race or registration desk at the Hancock Classic in support of healthy aging, they appreciated not only his assistance but his quietly kind demeanor. Brodi’s passion for business and all things sport, in tandem with a focus and work ethic that won’t quit, will be a winning combination for college and career success.

York Hospital’s patients and staff are fortunate to have benefited from Delia Balakier and Brodi Hay’s hard work and compassion, attributes that will continue to serve them as they pursue their academic and professional goals.

About the Carroll Family & Michael C. Rossiter Scholarship:  This scholarship is awarded annually to high school seniors planning to enter an institution of higher learning and currently residing in one of York Hospital’s service areas: Kittery, Eliot, The Berwicks, Kennebunk, Lebanon, Sanford, Wells, Moody, Ogunquit, and York. All applicants must be active York Hospital volunteers and have provided a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer service. Recipients must explain how volunteering at York Hospital has made a difference in their lives and what they have learned through the experience.

For more information about volunteering at York Hospital and the Carroll Family & Michael C. Rossiter Scholarship, contact Director of Volunteer & Student Experiences, Kate Ford at kford@yorkhospital.com or (207) 351-2224, or visit www.yorkhospital.com/volunteers-and-students/.  For more information about York Hospital practices and services, visit www.yorkhospital.com or contact Community Relations at (207) 351-2385 or info@yorkhospital.com