PJC students benefit from PRMC memorial scholarships
Published or Revised July 17, 2012
TOP PHOTO: Receiving the 2012-13 Wayne Neal Endowed Radiology Scholarships at Paris Junior College are Corey Shackelford of Paris, Texas, and Casey Gilbert of Sumner, Texas. The scholarship honors the memory of Neal, the former director of radiology of PRMC who died of cancer in 2009. Shown from left are Mrs. Dedra Neal, Shackelford, PRMC CEO Bill Porter, Gilbert, and Brittany Martin, Neal’s daughter. Both students are nearing completion of the Radiology Technology program at PJC.
BOTTOM PHOTO: Recipients of the 2012-13 Anthony and Debra West Endowed Nursing Scholarships at Paris Junior College are Kelsey Briscoe and Amy Witlatch of Paris, Texas. Named for two former Paris Regional Medical Center nurses who were husband and wife, Anthony and Debra West, the scholarship was created by Paris Regional employees, physicians, administration and friends to support the education of future nurses through PJC. Pictured are Briscoe, PRMC CEO Bill Porter, and Witlatch. Both plan to graduate from the registered nurse program in May 2013.
Paris Regional Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Bill Porter recently presented four scholarships to students attending Paris Junior College, honoring the memories of three former PRMC co-workers. Also present for the awards were PJC Health Occupations Director Marcia Putnam and Institutional Advancement and Alumni Director Derald Bulls.
Kelsey Briscoe and Amy Witlatch of Paris, Texas, are the recipients of the Anthony and Debra West Endowed Scholarships for nursing/healthcare. The registered nursing students plan to complete their training and receive Associate of Applied Science degrees this spring.
Recipients of the Wayne Neal Radiology Endowed Scholarship are Thomas C. 'Casey' Gilbert of Sumner, Texas, and Corey Shackelford of Paris. Both expect to complete their training in December and receive Associate of Applied Science degrees.
"We are grateful to Paris Regional's administration, employees and physicians along with community friends of Anthony, Debra and Wayne, who have provided such a fitting tribute to their lives of service," said Bulls. "As these students spend time in the hospital and other clinical settings during their training, I hope they have the opportunity to hear stories about the difference Debra, Anthony and Wayne made in the lives of their fellow employees, patients, and health care providers."
"There is a great sense of pride knowing these students have selected careers which will assist others," said Porter. "We appreciate the partnership we have with Paris Junior College to fulfill the various healthcare career opportunities at Paris Regional and throughout the community."
The West and Neal scholarships are funded by generous gifts from fellow healthcare employees, physicians, family, friends and the hospital administration. The Wests were career nurses at PRMC who tragically lost their lives in an automobile accident in July 2007. Wayne Neal, former director of radiology at the hospital, lost his battle to cancer in December 2009.
The scholarships are for students from Lamar, Red River, Delta or Fannin counties. The Neal scholarship targets radiology field students and the West scholarship is for students in a health-related field. Students must be a high school graduate or full-time college student. They must carry a minimum of 12 semester hours and maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher, and PRMC is afforded the first opportunity to offer the student employment upon graduation.
PJC recognizes the dedication PRMC has shown to keep the memories of these three in the forefront. The amount of scholarships has increased since the endowments were first established and the employees continue to make charitable donations throughout the year in memory of their former co-workers.
Donations can be made to the West and Neal Endowments through the Paris Junior College Memorial Foundation, 2400 Clarksville Street, Paris, TX 75460. To learn more about creating an endowment through the College, contact the Institutional Advancement office, 903-782-0276.
