‘Exceptional student volunteers’: 2 Northumberland youth honoured with Dixie Mikel scholarships

Left-to-right: Past president of the NHH Auxiliary Selena Forsyth, auxiliary Vice-President Deb Smelko, Dixie Mikel Scholarship recipients Kaleigh Harper and Sydney Pipe, auxiliary President Rick Riley, and the auxiliary’s director of business services Sue Spicer, celebrate this year’s scholarship award winners. /NHH photo

By editor/reporter Sarah Hyatt

Two dedicated local youth are in the spotlight and being honoured as recipients of this year’s Dixie Mikel scholarships in recognition of their volunteerism and commitment to Northumberland Hills Hospital.

The Northumberland Hills Hospital Auxiliary’s board of directors has announced Kaleigh Harper and Sydney Pipe are this year’s recipients for their efforts in the 2025-26 year, and the awards will help both students in their pursuits of higher education.

“The Dixie Mikel Scholarship has become a testament to the dedication, commitment and contributions of our student volunteers,” said NHH Auxiliary President Rick Riley. “Awarding these scholarships each year is a tradition that allows us to carry on the good work of Dixie Mikel while celebrating the vibrant spirit of youth volunteerism at NHH.

“I would like to thank our awards committee for (its) time and careful review of the many excellent applications we received,” continued Riley. “We are grateful to all those who submitted,” he said, while adding his sincere congratulations to Harper and Pipe on behalf of the board and wishing them the best in their academic pursuits.

The scholarships – $1,250 each – are awarded annually and dedicated to “exceptional student volunteers currently attending or accepted to a university or college,” noted auxiliary officials.

Applicants also need to accumulate a minimum of 80 volunteer hours at NHH and be taking courses leading to degrees under health sciences, nursing, medical research or biotechnology.

The scholarship was created in memory of the late Yvonne (Dixie) Mikel, the wife of physician Dr. Don Mikel, and a long-time supporter of the auxiliary at the former Cobourg hospital site, recalled officials.

“Mrs. Mikel is credited with the founding of the student auxiliary volunteer program, which continues to this day in (an) expanded form at NHH.”

According to a recent release, Harper is a recent Cobourg Collegiate Institute grad entering her first year at Queen’s University this fall. She’s pursuing a bachelor’s degree in science.

“Throughout high school, she demonstrated a strong commitment to both academic and extracurricular activities, earning recognition as an accomplished highland dancer,” reads a recent NHH release.

Harper was also awarded the Ontario Minister’s Certificate of Recognition for her “outstanding contributions to her community.”

The auxiliary said these accomplishments reflect her commitment, leadership and passion for making a positive impact. She started volunteering at NHH in 2025 and quickly completed a reported 101 hours, spending her time in day surgery and palliative care, as well as supporting initiatives such as the hospital elder life program (also known as HELP.)

“Her experience of volunteering at NHH has had a profound impact on her career aspirations, inspiring her to pursue a future in nursing,” remarked NHH.

Meanwhile, Pipe is staring her fourth year at Queen’s University where she is pursuing an undergraduate degree in life sciences and has been recognized on the dean’s list for her high academic standing.

“Throughout her academic career, she consistently graduated at the top of her class, demonstrating exceptional dedication and achievement,” reads NHH’s release.

Described as a passionate volunteer, Pipe has similarly dedicated 93 hours of service as part of the HELP program since she started volunteering at NHH in 2024.

“Her commitment to community service extends beyond Northumberland Hills Hospital, including volunteering at Providence Manor Retirement in Kingston throughout her undergraduate studies and sharing her love of music as part of her volunteer work at the alzheimer society,” noted auxiliary leaders.

Outside of academics, Pipe is also described as an accomplished athlete and her commitment, perseverance and teamwork have contributed to success on-and-off the field, added leaders.

Applications for next year’s scholarships are due July 30, 2027. More information on scholarships and volunteer opportunities are accessible via nhh.ca.

Volunteers through the hospital’s auxiliary play a critical role at NHH, working alongside staff, doctors, midwives, and more, supporting the work of essentially all departments. From greeting and helping patients and guests when they arrive through the hospital doors, to delivering water to patients’ rooms, offering companionship to patients and families and more, NHH volunteers are always in high demand.

Auxiliary volunteers help in the emergency department, day surgery, diagnostic imaging department, the waiting room, intensive care unit, palliative care and cancer and supportive care areas, to name just a few.

Meanwhile, through HELP, specially-trained volunteers also make a difference through patient therapeutic activities, helping to prevent delirium and functional decline during hospitalizations, explained officials.

In addition, the auxiliary also operates two retail operations, which help raise monies for capital equipment that ultimately strengthens local healthcare. These popular locations include the Little Treasure Shop gift shop inside the main entrance at NHH, and Petticoat Lane, a community thrift store on Munroe Street in Cobourg.

The auxiliary dedicates thousands of hours of service annually and has contributed more than $5 million towards critical equipment needs.