Louisa Peak Scholarship

The 2019 St. Luke’s Foundation Scholarship Program is now closed. If you are interested in applying for a scholarship, please visit our website in January 2020 or call Tonya Arnold at 319-369-7572 for more information.

Louisa Peak devoted her life to children and volunteering. Louisa was a long time teacher in the Cedar Rapids Community School District. She spent most of her career teaching and nurturing junior high (or middle school) students. 

While she was a teacher, Louisa also became an active volunteer in school activities, the community and at St. Luke's Hospital. When she retired, Louisa volunteered at St. Luke's Hospital 40 hours a week as well as volunteering at her church, with older adult groups and politics.

Louisa Peak was St. Luke's first 10,000 hour volunteer in 1978. 

When Louisa Peak passed away in 1981, her family created a scholarship in her honor. The Louisa E. Peak Scholarship was created to pay tribute to her two life interests:

• Children
• Volunteering

Annually, since 1981, St. Luke's Foundation and St. Luke's Volunteer Service Department have been awarding this scholarship to deserving student volunteers.

To be eligible

• The applicant must be an active student volunteer in good standings at St. Luke's Hospital.

• The applicant must be a graduating high school senior in good academic standing.
• The applicant must plan to enter a humanistic occupation such as teaching, healthcare or social work.

• In 750 words or less, please provide a type-written essay answering the following questions:

• Louisa Peak dedicated her life to helping and serving others. She was a teacher, community volunteer and advocate (for teachers, students and education system). Why is it important to have people like Louisa in our community?
• If Louisa was still volunteering today at St. Luke's Hospital, how would you describe to her the benefits and lessons you have gained and learned through being a St. Luke's Volunteer?

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Tonya Arnold at 319/369-7572 or Tonya.Arnold@unitypoint.org.