Six area residents were awarded $9,000 in Scholarships through McLeod Dillon and the McLeod Health Foundation. Each was recognized at a luncheon on July 27, 2012, at McLeod Dillon. All recipients have plans of pursuing careers in health care.
In 2001, the McLeod Dillon Auxiliary established the Chellis B. Ellis Nursing Scholarship in memory of Mrs. Chellis B. Ellis. Mrs. Ellis was a dedicated member of the Auxiliary, and she was also a nurse. Olivia Jules Price was the recipient of the Chellis B. Ellis Nursing Scholarship. The purpose of this scholarship is to encourage and enable deserving people from Dillon County to enter the field of nursing. The scholarship is awarded to a student with a satisfactory academic record, good character and a sincere desire to enter the nursing profession. Olivia is a graduate of Dillon High School. She is the daughter of Ray and Neilly Price of Dillon, SC. She plans to attend Francis Marion University in the fall, and looks to pursue a career as a Nurse Practitioner specializing in Pediatrics.
In 1982 a scholarship fund was established at McLeod Dillon in memory of David H. Shuttleworth. Mr. Shuttleworth was a member of the Advisory Board from 1969 until his death in 1979, and he served as President of the Board in 1971 and 1972. Ariel Nicole Pearson received this award. The purpose of this scholarship is to encourage Dillon County residents to pursue careers in the health field. The scholarship is awarded to a student who will be enrolled in a health science major, and it is based on the student’s academic merit, leadership, character and need. Ariel is a graduate of Latta High School. She is the daughter of Kimberly Pearson and Vera Pearson of Dillon, SC. She plans to attend Swarthmore College in the fall, and pursue a degree in Anthropology and later a Doctorate in Medicine.
In 1978 a scholarship was established by the McLeod Dillon Auxiliary to encourage and enable deserving people from Dillon County to further their formal education in hospital-related health careers. The Auxiliary recognizes the value of continued education and the health needs of this community and expresses its desire to assist those who deserve and need assistance. This scholarship will enable this year’s recipient, Tyquain Darnell McClellan, to create a richer and fuller life through community health service. Tyquain is a graduate of Lake View High School. He is the son of Larry and Elisha McClellan of Fork, SC. He plans to attend Clemson University in the fall, and pursue a career in Physical Therapy.
Several years ago, Bill Lee, Hamer, SC, established the Nina Annas Lee Scholarship at McLeod Dillon through the McLeod Health Foundation in memory of his beloved wife, Nina, a former North Carolina educator. Lee is an adult volunteer and a hospital Auxiliary member for McLeod Dillon. He is affectionately called “Mr. Bill” by patients and staff, too. The recipients of the Nina Annas Lee Scholarship were Bridget Long and Natalie Whitfield.
Long is currently a Multi-Skilled Tech in the McLeod Dillon Emergency Department. She is attending Florence Darlington Technical College pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Nursing. Her anticipated graduation date is May of 2014, after which she is interested in working in a nursing role in the McLeod Dillon Emergency Department.
Whitfield is a Nuclear Medicine Tech in the McLeod Dillon Radiology Department. She is currently attending Francis Marion University seeking a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. After her anticipated graduation this December, she is interested in working as a critical care nurse.
Betty Jo Barnes, RN, C, CCRN, a Nursing Supervisor at McLeod Dillon, was a 2007 recipient of the South Carolina Palmetto Gold Award. The Palmetto Gold Award is a program started by various nursing organizations throughout South Carolina as a platform to recognize excellence in nursing and support nursing education. Betty Jo views her nursing career as a ministry to make a positive difference in someone’s life. To honor Betty Jo for being chosen for this prestigious award, her brother and sister-in-law, Don and Laura Hayes, chose to establish a scholarship fund through the McLeod Health Foundation to enable others to pursue a career in nursing. The scholarship is awarded to residents from Dillon County that are enrolled in a nursing program. The recipient of the Betty Jo Barnes Scholarship was Haley Bethea. Bethea is a unit secretary at McLeod Dillon. She is attending Francis Marion University pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. Bethea’s
goal is to become a Nurse Practitioner.
For a scholarship application or for more information, contact the McLeod Health Human Resources Service Center at (843) 777-2595 or the McLeod Dillon Human Resources Department at (843) 487-1364.