Misericordia Speech-Language Pathology Student Kara Thourot Earns Pennsylvania Von Drach Memorial Scholarship

Prestigious Statewide Honor Recognizes Outstanding Academic Achievement and Professional Promise

DALLAS, Pa. — Misericordia University graduate student Kara Thourot has been awarded the 2026 Von Drach Memorial Scholarship, one of Pennsylvania's highest honors for students pursuing careers in speech-language pathology. Presented annually by the Pennsylvania Speech-Language-Hearing Association (PSHA), the scholarship recognizes an outstanding full-time student enrolled in an entry-level professional degree program in speech-language pathology, audiology or education of the hearing impaired at a Pennsylvania college or university.

Thourot, a graduate student in Misericordia's Speech-Language Pathology program, was selected for her exceptional academic achievement, clinical excellence, research involvement and commitment to the profession. She earned a perfect 4.0 grade point average, was named valedictorian of the Class of 2025 and has presented research at the state, national and international levels while completing clinical experiences in educational, medical and community settings.

The scholarship is named in memory of Dr. Robert Von Drach in recognition of his dedication and years of service to the speech-language pathology profession. It is awarded annually to a student who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement and promise as a future professional.

The award also highlights the continued excellence of Misericordia's Speech-Language Pathology program. Since 2008, Misericordia students have received the Von Drach Memorial Scholarship 16 times in the past 19 years, an exceptional accomplishment among Pennsylvania's 24 speech-language pathology programs.