Blake A. Carroll Scholarship Winner is Olivia Sauer

Annual Scholarship Awarded by Shriners Hospitals for Children — Salt Lake City

“The person who won the award this year,” said Kristen L. Carroll, M.D., “was nominated by four different people.” The central activities room in Shriners Hospitals for Children — Salt Lake City was filled with a few dozen socially-distanced hospital staff members. In her sixth year of granting the scholarship in her brother’s name, Dr. Carroll raised the 2020 Blake A. Carroll scholarship to $2,000 to be awarded for the further education of a staff member in the medical field.

In anticipation of announcing the scholarship recipient, Dr. Carroll was excited to share some of the wonderful things said by the colleagues of the winner. These nominations included descriptions of the person in question as an extremely hard worker. “I don’t know if that sums up my brother, but that’s okay,” joked Dr. Carroll. The scholarship award goes to the person who embodies some of her brother’s best qualities, including joy, compassion and dedication.

Other nominations described the winner as "incredibly flexible," "fast learner," "has cheerfully taken on a number of roles," "is a wonderful addition to the team," and "embraces the mission of Shriners Hospitals for Children." Those who work closely with her appreciate that she balances her academic load and duties of work gracefully, is a great team player, has a wonderful sense of humor and shows caring, kindness and a positive attitude.

Olivia Sauer, a scheduling coordinator in the wheelchair and seating department,, was announced as the winner. A student at the University of Utah, Olivia is working toward a Bachelor of Science degree in health society and policy with minors in psychology and nutrition. After she receives her degree next year, she plans to apply for graduate programs for either physical therapy or physician assistance. Her dream is to work in a hospital setting helping children.

Olivia, who’s worked for Shriners Hospitals for Children — Salt Lake City for about a year, loves working with the wheelchair team and being with kids all day. “I love coming to work and learning from the kids and the therapists, and to be able to have this incredible experience at Shriners,” said Olivia.

The scholarship will be a tremendous help in getting Olivia though the rest of her undergraduate degree. “It allows my family and me not to worry about tuition,” said Olivia. “I’m excited for the next steps in school and exploring career options.”

When Dr. Carroll announced Olivia as the recipient of the annual scholarship award, Olivia’s first reaction was that it wasn’t real. “I was trying to stop shaking and didn’t know if I should walk up or not,” said Olivia. “I was in so much shock that I don’t really think I processed it until I told my parents later and it finally sunk in.”

Sharing the news with her parents was a great memory for Olivia. Her parents were as shocked when she told them. She was grateful that Dr. Carroll shared with her the nomination essays from her colleagues. They sang her praises, which she was able to share with her family. “When my parents read what each therapist wrote to Dr. Carroll,” said Olivia, “it meant a lot to me.”

“I want to thank my department so much for nominating me,” Olivia continued. “I really appreciate it and thank you for this past year, it has been by far my favorite job and I’ve loved every minute here and I love the department and everyone I work with.” And of course, she thanks Dr. Carroll for the incredible honor of the award. “The scholarship is such a big help. I am thankful beyond words to have received the BAC scholarship and to be an employee at Shiners Hospitals for Children.”