Scholarship endowed in memory of Wests

Published or Revised May 02, 2008

Co-workers, physicians, friends and the hospital administration of Paris Regional Medical Center continue to remember the lives of their late co-workers, Anthony and Debra West with a legacy endowed scholarship of $20,000 in their name at Paris Junior College. Representatives of the family, hospital and college made the formal announcement this week. The Wests were tragically killed in an automobile accident in July 2007. "Debra and Anthony were a vital part of the Paris Regional family," said PRMC Chief Executive Officer Christopher W. Dux. "It is our honor to create a tribute to their profession and recognize the passion these two care-givers provided for patients, families, and co-workers." In addition to the initial gift, PRMC has pledged $5,000 per year toward the scholarship in the coming years. Debra West received her associate's degree in nursing from PJC and worked as an RN for many years at the hospital. She went on to further her career with a bachelor's degree in Social Work from Tarleton State University. At the time of her death, she worked as the supervisor for Case Management at PRMC. An Army veteran with 20 years active duty, Anthony West served two tours in Vietnam and earned the Purple Heart. Following retirement, he too attended PJC where he earned his associate's degree in nursing and worked as an RN at PRMC for the past 17 years, the majority of those in the intensive care unit. "Paris Junior College is grateful to Paris Regional for honoring these two former PJC students in such a special way," said PJC President Dr. Pamela Anglin. "The scholarship resources will enable other young men and women to pursue a healthcare career." Dux went on to say, "Anthony and Debra touched many lives through their care. We encourage anyone who wishes to help preserve their memory to consider a donation to the PRMC-West Scholarship Fund." Donations may be mailed to the West Scholarship Fund, c/o Paris Junior College Memorial Foundation, 2400 Clarksville Street, Paris, Texas 75460 Applications for the scholarship are now being accepted through the PRMC Human Resources Department or the PJC Department of Health Occupations. To be eligible, a student must reside in Lamar, Red River, Delta or Fannin counties and must be a high school graduate or a full-time student. The recipient must enroll in 12 semester hours, maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher, enroll in an accredited college or university in the State of Texas and give PRMC the first opportunity to make a job offer upon successful graduation. Applications will be accepted through May 15. For more information, contact the PRMC Human Resources Department, (903) 737-3215 or Health Occupations office, (903) 782-0734.