The St. Luke’s Hospital Auxiliary sheds light on a growing problem — the nation is facing a major shortage of trained and qualified healthcare professionals to care for an aging population and meet an increased need for medical services. Compounding the problem is the fact that many colleges and universities are struggling to expand their programs to increase enrollment levels to meet the growing demand for nurses and allied health professionals.

St. Luke’s Hospital Auxiliary has announced its 2014 scholarship awards. These awards are given twice-yearly to students pursuing a career in the health care field.

Alicia Brewington, daughter of Vickie and Landon Brewington of Tryon, has been awarded the Katherine Kirby Nursing Scholarship. Brewington is a 2014 graduate of Polk County High School and plans to attend UNC Wilmington in the fall, majoring in nursing. While at PCHS, Brewington was a member of the National Honor Society, served as president of Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), and participated in the school choir. She received scholarships to attend Clemson Summer Scholars and Rotary Youth Leadership Camp. In addition, she volunteered with St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation and worked at Bi-Lo.

Brianna Dill, daughter of Ronette and Ryan Dill of Landrum, has been awarded a St. Luke’s Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship. Dill is a 2014 graduate of Polk County High School and plans to study nursing at USC-Upstate in the fall. While at PCHS, Dill participated in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) as a leader for two years and in FFA as Junior Team Vice President and Senior Team Co-President. She was also a member of the National Honor Society, Interact Club, and HOSA. She received the Biomedical Technology Award, Geometry Award, Health Science I and II Awards, Junior Marshal, DAR Good Citizen Award and CNA certification. Dill worked at Steps to Hope as a summer intern in 2013 and also worked as an organic farm assistant.

Jamie Greene, daughter of Dianne and Mike Greene of Columbus, has been awarded a St. Luke’s Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship. Greene is also a 2014 graduate of Polk County High School and plans to study nursing at Western Carolina University in the fall. Greene was a member of FCA, FFA, HOSA and Interact Club at PCHS. She was active in three varsity sports and has received Coaches Awards and a Most Improved Player Award. Greene enjoys hiking and volunteering. She has coached for Polk County Recreation Soccer. In the summer, she works at Camp Mundo Vista in Asheboro.

Meagan Birch, a 2013 graduate of Landrum High School, has received a renewal of her St. Luke’s Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship. Birch is enrolled in the nursing program at USC-Upstate.

Abigail Hall, a 2012 graduate of Polk County High School, has again received a renewal of her Katherine Kirby Nursing Scholarship. Hall is continuing her studies in nursing at Western Carolina University.

Matthew Walker, a 2012 graduate of Polk County High School, and a student at UNC-Asheville, received a St. Luke’s Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship. While at PCHS, Walker volunteered at St. Luke’s Hospital. His ultimate goal is to become a doctor.

Apryl Mondonedo, a resident of Mill Spring, was awarded a Richard Ellis Memorial Scholarship to pursue CNA certification.

Much appreciation is given to the St. Luke’s Hospital Auxiliary, whose Scholarship Committee is chaired by Anne Laubengeiger, for their dedication and commitment to patient care by providing $3,430 in scholarships in 2014 for medical and nursing programs.

The Auxiliary is proud to have 150 members who assist with varying needs of St. Luke’s Hospital, a private, not-for-profit community hospital. With their support, we continue to provide exceptional care, close to home.

 

— article submitted 

by Jennifer Wilson