Two PJC students receive PRMC scholarships

Published or Revised June 13, 2011

Paris Regional Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Bill Porter presented two scholarships Thursday to students attending Paris Junior College. Leah Owens of Paris is the 2011 recipient of the Paris Regional Medical Center — Anthony and Debra West Scholarship for $1,000, and Casey Gilbert of Paris received the inaugural Paris Regional Medical Center — Wayne Neal Scholarship for $500. Owens is attending PJC's Vocational Nursing program this summer, and Gilbert began PJC's Radiology Technology program in January. Christopher West and Mrs. Wayne "Dedra" Neal and her daughter Brittany Martin assisted Mr. Porter in the scholarship presentations. "Wayne Neal and Anthony and Debra West touched many lives through their care," said Porter. "All were an important part of the PRMC family. Anthony was a highly regarded ICU registered nurse, and Debra worked as the supervisor of case management. Wayne was director of radiology and had been with the hospital for 15 years. This is a small way we can support their passion for caring for others. We encourage anyone who wishes to help preserve their memory to consider a donation to the PRMC — Wayne Neal Scholarship Fund or the PRMC — West Scholarship Fund." "These scholarships will enable young people to pursue careers in healthcare and radiology," said PJC President Dr. Pam Anglin. "Paris Regional Medical Center is doing a wonderful thing in honoring a former PJC instructor and two former PJC students this way." Both scholarships are intended for students from Lamar, Red River, Delta or Fannin counties. The Neal scholarship is for students wishing to enter the radiology field. The West scholarship is for students in a health-related field. Students must be a high school graduate or full-time college student. Recipients are required to enroll in an accredited Texas college or university, 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. Created by co-workers, physicians, friends, family and the hospital administration of PRMC, the West scholarship is intended to assist young men and women who are pursuing a health-related career. At the time of their deaths in an automobile accident in July 2007, Anthony and Debra were employees of PRMC; both had graduated from the PJC nursing program. The Neal scholarship was created by PRMC employees, physicians, friends and his wife and family to honor his memory. Neal was director of radiology at PRMC, and passed away of cancer in 2009. In addition to working at PRMC for 15 years, he taught at PJC's Radiology Technology Program and played a key role in the re-establishment of the radiology program at the college. Both scholarships are administered by PJC. Donations may be made to either the West or Neal Scholarship Funds, c/o Paris Junior College Memorial Foundation, 2400 Clarksville St., Paris, Texas 75460.