Norwich - The William W. Backus Hospital Auxiliary awarded $10,000 in scholarships to local students pursuing careers in health care at its Annual Membership Tea on May 14.

Held in the hospital's conference rooms, the tea recognized four students who each received $2,500 to help further their educational goals.

To be eligible for a scholarship, applicants must be employed by or a volunteer at Backus. They can also be the child, grandchild, stepchild or a foster child of an employee or volunteer.

This year's winners included:

· Kaitajaveet "Kait" Chowdhary, a graduating senior at Glastonbury High School, who has volunteered more than 600 hours at Backus and the UConn Medical Center.

· Shari DeNinno, a trained chemist who graduated with highest distinction and honors from the University of Kansas.

· Kyle Liang, a graduating senior from Norwich Free Academy and volunteer at Backus and holds a job as a sales associate.

· Jill Provost, a graduating senior at NFA, has been a member of the Student Advisory Board, a Varsity cheerleader, a member of Project Outreach, and a National Honor Society student.