The Dorchester General Hospital Auxiliary’s Nursing Grant Committee recently presented awards to five area nursing students. The financial aid covers the cost of tuition, books and other educational expenses.

April Wroten Freeman, an Easton resident and nursing student at Salisbury University, received her second grant from the Auxiliary. Wroten’s $1,000 scholarship was funded through a gift to the Auxiliary from the Dorchester Ruritan Club. The club also funded a $1,000 grant for Chesapeake College student Amanda Moseley of Easton.

Chesapeake College nursing students Gina Elizabeth Mueller of Federalsburg and Sandra Leigh Stewart of Greensboro each received a $1,000 scholarship, which were made possible by individual donations made to the Auxiliary. Samantha Robinson of Church Creek received $750 for her studies at Stevenson University. Her scholarship was funded by a donation to the Auxiliary by the Elk’s Club #1272.

Since 1978, the Dorchester General Hospital Auxiliary has awarded scholarships to students who have been accepted into the nursing section of a registered nursing program and who meet established criteria. The committee selects applicants based on a written report of grades, work experience, financial need, references and a personal essay.

“By reading these applications we gain insight into the student’s abilities, strengths and areas for development,” says Debbie Thomas, chair of the DGH Auxiliary’s Nursing Grant Committee. “Several of the students chosen this year are already working for as summer interns at Shore Health System, which gives them hands on experience in an area which interests them.”

Thomas adds, “The Auxiliary is pleased to be able to assist these young people in completing their nursing education. We also deeply appreciate the organizations which support us in our efforts.”

For more information about making donations to the Dorchester General Hospital Auxiliary Nursing Grant Fund, contact Debbie Thomas at 410-228-6131.