The Vaughan Regional Medical Center Auxiliary is helping eight medical students continue their education.

The group awarded $13,000 worth of scholarships to nursing students Thursday at Vaughan Regional Medical Center.

“It means so much just to give someone the opportunity to continue school,” said Linda Hobson, auxiliary member and chair of the scholarship committee.

“The auxiliary here, we know that we have helped someone that deserves the opportunity to continue in school.”

Brittany Brown, one of eight scholarship recipients, said the money goes a long way in helping her achieve her dream of one day becoming a licensed nurse practitioner.

“I was telling my mom, ‘I don’t know if I’m going to be able to attend school because of the large sum of money that has to come out of pocket,’ and thank God I was able to get that envelope in the mail, “she said. “I thought they had turned me down, but it was congratulating me saying I received the award.”

Brown said the scholarship will pay for her summer and fall semesters, which goes a long way. Right now, she is in school at Wallace Community College Selma in the registered nurse mobility program.

“After Wallace … I plan on either going to the University of Alabama to get my bachelor’s degree or maybe Jacksonville State,” she said. “Then I plan on moving forward and becoming a nurse practitioner in psychology and mental health.”

The application process starts in January, and Hobson said it requires a 2.0 grade point average, as well as three letters of recommendations. It also requires an essay, and applicants must be in the healthcare field or in a healthcare program at an accredited junior college, technical school or four-year college.

Brown said the process is not easy, but it is well worth the effort.

“It wasn’t an easy task, but I was glad I was recommended to receive the scholarship. It has helped me a whole lot tremendously,” she said.

“It’s not just applying your name and getting the money. You have to be able to do the work to get someone to invest in you.”

The scholarships are funded through different sales the auxiliary puts in throughout the year. They sell jewelry, uniforms, clothing and other merchandise. The funds also go toward projects around the hospital.

The other scholarship recipients are Sanika Acoff, Talisa Morgan, Tawanda Moseley, Leon Thomas, Caitlyn Lawrence, Karen Moore and Jessica Banks.

The application process for next year starts in January. For more information, contact Kay Davidson, director of volunteer services, at (334) 418-4190.