Howard Young Medical Center Awards Walter Olson Medical Staff Education Fund Scholarship to Kris Roy

WOODRUFF, Wis. - Howard Young Medical Center selected Kriscillia (Kris) Roy of Arbor Vitae as the Community Recipient of the Walter Olson Medical Staff Education Fund Scholarship, providing her the opportunity to attend the EMS World Expo, September 30-October 2, 2026, in Orlando, Florida.

Supported through the Walter Olson Medical Staff Education Fund, the scholarship covers conference registration, airfare, and lodging, allowing emergency medical services professionals serving the Howard Young Medical Center region to advance their education and bring valuable knowledge back to northern Wisconsin communities.

Roy is a state-licensed EMT-B who currently serves as an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) with Arbor Vitae Fire and Rescue, where she has been an active member for the past five years. She previously worked as an EMT with Oneida County EMS and Aspirus MedEvac and has remained dedicated to EMS through volunteer service while raising her family.

Howard Young Medical Center, a center of excellence in healthcare for northern Wisconsin, established the scholarship opportunity to support EMS professionals committed to advancing patient care and strengthening emergency services throughout the region.

"Kris exemplifies the dedication, compassion, and commitment that are essential to emergency medical services," said Terra Schmoeger, Director of Nursing, Howard Young Medical Center. "Her passion for serving her community, her focus on professional growth, and her desire to share knowledge with others make her an outstanding recipient of this opportunity."

In her scholarship application, Roy shared that her passion for EMS is rooted in a desire to give back to her community and support individuals during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. She emphasized that compassion and empathy guide her work and acknowledged the challenges EMS professionals face, including burnout and the importance of maintaining personal well-being to continue serving others effectively.

"I am incredibly grateful to Howard Young Medical Center and the Walter Olson Medical Staff Education Fund for this opportunity," said Kris Roy. "Attending the EMS World Expo will allow me to continue growing both personally and professionally while learning from experts and EMS professionals from across the country. The support and investment in my education mean so much to me, and I look forward to bringing new knowledge, ideas, and best practices back to Arbor Vitae Fire and Rescue and the EMS community throughout northern Wisconsin."

Throughout her EMS career, Roy has been recognized twice as First Responder of the Year, reflecting her dedication to patient care and service. Looking ahead, she hopes to become an EMS instructor, helping develop and encourage the next generation of emergency responders while continuing to enhance her own skills and knowledge.

Roy also plans to use the experience gained through the EMS World Expo to strengthen training and preparedness within Arbor Vitae Fire and Rescue and to share insights and best practices with neighboring EMS agencies across northern Wisconsin.

The scholarship is funded through the Walter Olson Medical Staff Education Fund, established in 1972 through a generous gift from Howard Young Medical Center patient Walter Olson. The Walter Olson Committee oversees the fund and supports educational opportunities that help healthcare professionals remain at the forefront of medical knowledge and technical expertise.

By investing in continuing education opportunities such as the EMS World Expo, Howard Young Medical Center continues its commitment to supporting emergency medical professionals and enhancing the quality of care available throughout the communities it serves.