Scholarship Programs

Gifts and grants were eliciting undeniable results. But the Foundation wanted to — and could — do more. In 2007, working with the Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce to identify two high achieving local high school students interested in a health-related field, two $1,000 scholarships were awarded. In 2008, the Foundation recognized four students.

The scholarship recipients for the 2009 awards are listed below:

Greater Augusta Chamber of Commerce
Academic Achievers Scholarship Recipients, 2009

Scholarships were presented on May 11, 2009 by Stuart Moffett, scholarship chair.

$1,000 scholarship was awarded to each of the following local high school students:

Julia Aronson

Wilson Memorial High School
Daughter of Mark & Marianne Aronson of Waynesboro

Julia will be entering the University of Virginia this fall, with plans to pursue a master's degree in elementary education over the next five years.

Rebecca Cash

Riverheads High School
Daughter of J.B. and Jeanie Cash of Greenville

Rebecca plans to attend Bridgewater College, pursuing a double major in Biology and Education, with a minor in Music. Beyond that, she is considering either a Peace Corps assignment or beginning medical school.

Madalyn Marshall

Robert E. Lee High School
Daughter of Mark & Lauren Marshall of Staunton

Madalyn is interested in the field of pharmaceutical research. She plans to major in Chemistry at Virginia Tech, and then apply to Auburn University's Harrison School of Pharmacy.

Heather Morris

Robert E. Lee High School
Daughter of Sharon Crummett of Fishersville

Heather is planning a career as a pharmacist. Her educational plans include an undergraduate degree in biological sciences from the University of Virginia, followed by a master's degree, and pharmacy school.

Augusta Health Foundation Scholarships Presented to
Clinical Laboratory Science Students, 2009-10

The Foundation also recognized and opportunity to help students in the hospital's School of Clinical Laboratory Science. Seniors and fifth-year post-graduates in the yearlong program are responsible for buying textbooks and manuals, paying tuition, and often provide their own transportation, housing, and food if they are from outside the area. "I've had more than one student tell me they've asked themselves 'Should I buy groceries or pay my bills?' while they're here," said program director Bernadette "Bernie" Bekken.

A $15,000 grant will provide a $5,000 academic scholarship and additional funding for other students who apply for assistance. Support for each student is based on need, the number of applicants for financial assistance, and the use of the academic scholarship money. Since it started at King's Daughter's Hospital in Staunton in 1955, 250 students have completed the Clinical Laboratory Science program; the six in the 2008-09 class were the first to receive Augusta Health Foundation assistance. The funds allow them to concentrate on their studies instead of on earning money for daily expenses.

Students in these programs are not obligated to continue their career or education in the area, but many do. Encouraging skilled professionals to work in the Shenandoah Valley is an unseen benefit of the Augusta Health Foundation Funds.

Scholarships were presented on June 29, 2009 by Stuart Moffett, scholarship chair.

April Attai

Natalie Werda

Freedom Hummell

Edward Guem