VIA awards scholarships to Beebe School of Nursing students

The Village Improvement Association, a nonprofit charitable organization located in Rehoboth Beach, recently awarded two Mildred Gray Scholarships to undergraduate nursing students at Beebe School of Nursing.

Shown are the 2013 recipients, first-year students Meryha Michels from Greenwood, left, and Jill Petrone from Lewes. Each student received $1,000 from the VIA for use toward her education.

The Mildred Gray Scholarship was initiated in 1966 when Gray, a past president of VIA, donated personal money to help students continue their nursing education. The scholarship program has continued in her honor.

To be considered, nursing students must submit a personal essay, be a resident of Sussex County and maintain a B or above average in nursing courses.

“The Village Improvement Association is proud to support and encourage the students at the Beebe Medical Center Margaret H. Rollins School of Nursing," said Carolyn Billingsley, VIA president. "This outstanding school offers an excellent program that is critically needed in our area."

Nina Hazzard, RN, MS, curriculum coordinator for the nursing school, said, "The scholarships are so very important to the students in meeting the financial needs of their nursing education. We are most grateful to the Village Improvement Association for their continued interest and financial support."