Who is Martha Winnen Ferguson?

Martha Winnen Ferguson was an extraordinary wife, mother, sister, and friend. When not giving of herself to her family and friends, Martha lived for her profession as a nurse in the Cleveland area, where she was fondly known as “Marty.”

Marty spent 22 years using her Registered Nurse (RN) degree as a tool to better the lives of countless patients under her care. She took immense pride in her profession and never lost sight of the essential role nurses play in the medical field. Marty was gifted in her spirit to care for others and to make even the most ailing feel comforted in times of need.

To honor her legacy, the family and friends of Marty Ferguson have provided dedicated scholarship funding since 2005, awarded annually to a Senior at Avon Lake High School planning to pursue a nursing degree.

Students applying should be able to describe their desire to enter the medical profession and pursue a career in nursing. A well-balanced high school experience and financial need will be taken into consideration.

Apply Below!

Please fill out the application below to be considered for The Martha Winnen Ferguson Memorial Scholarship in Nursing.

If you have any questions, please scroll down to the contact form below.

Carry Forward a Legacy of Care

Honoring Our Alumni:

Success Stories in Nursing and Beyond

  • Hannah Sindelar, BSN, RN

    The Martha Winnen Ferguson Memorial Scholarship truly launched my nursing career, and I am still so grateful for the opportunity.

    I attended Xavier University College of Nursing and graduated in 2021. Shortly after, I completed the Cleveland Clinic Nursing Residency Program, specializing in cardiology in 2022. Working with the #1 cardiology program in the country at The Cleveland Clinic main campus was an incredible experience.

    After almost two years with Cleveland Clinic, I moved to Chicago, IL, where I now work at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. I have pursued a position in the Cardiac ICU and have found a new passion for intensive care. Every day, I look for ways to further my education and improve my skills.

    I cannot thank you enough for the help and support you provided at the start of my journey. I am Hannah Sindelar, BSN, RN, because of the foundation's help.

  • Kayland Morris, RN

    Following graduation at Avon Lake, I attended Cleveland State University. In May of 2024, I graduated from Cleveland State University with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing as well as a minor in French. Following graduation, I took and passed my NCLEX. I am now working at my dream job as a nurse in the PICU/PCICU at the main campus Cleveland Clinic.

  • Caitlin Kosar, CMSRN

    My name is Caitlin Kosar. I graduated from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 2018 and earned my Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Nursing Education in 2022.

    Currently, I teach part-time at the Kent State College of Nursing while also working part-time as a Registered Nurse at University Hospitals Cleveland.

    My specialty areas in nursing include medical-surgical care and motility/endoscopy. I am a Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse (CMSRN) and serve as the Leadership Succession Chair for the Sigma Nursing-Delta Xi Chapter.

  • Claire Zakel

    Hi there! I’m Claire Zakel, a proud graduate of Avon Lake High School. During my time there, I was actively involved in the Key Club, Cross Country, National Honor Society, and the Pre-Med Club. My journey into nursing is deeply personal and driven by my experiences growing up.

    I watched my mom face numerous health challenges due to the Common Variable Immunodeficiency, and this experience profoundly impacted me. During my freshman year, I began running cross country, but despite my best efforts, I struggled with breathing difficulties. I was eventually diagnosed with Eosinophilic Asthma.

    These experiences with my mom and my own health issues brought me into contact with many compassionate nurses. Their empathy, smiles, and the way they explained things made me feel at ease during tough times. I realized that I wanted to be that comforting presence for others.

    Now, I am attending The University of Akron to pursue a career in nursing. I am excited about the opportunity to help many people throughout my time in the field and to make a positive difference in their lives.

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