Gilroy, California (May 27, 2010) –The Saint Louise Regional Hospital Volunteer Auxiliary announced the recipients of five scholarships this past month. The award recipients are: Gilroy High School seniors Sidney Ebert, Laura Fellows, Elise Ogle, Western Career College student Yesenia Ayala, and Gavilan College 1st year nursing program student Melody Collings.

“The drive of compassion and accomplishment displayed in each of our associates, especially our volunteers, is very inspiring,” remarked Joanne Allen, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Available scholarships such as these give opportunity to those who will eventually bring about positive change and achieve extraordinary heights.”

Scholarship recipient Collings, a single mother of five, has always aspired to become a nurse and is very grateful to receive this award. “Every little bit really helps,” she shared. “I want to be able to show my kids that no matter what life throws at you, you can always make yourself better. I’m very passionate about people and knew nursing was perfect for me. I love making people smile and doing anything I can to make their days better.”

With the pursuit of obtaining higher education in the medical field, each award recipient was awarded $500 in scholarship money. Applications for the scholarships were sent to the Scholarship Committee for review and applicants were invited to an in-person interview. “Each of our volunteers serves as a model of inspiration. This selection process was a very difficult one because all of our applicants are so deserving of the awards,” said Scholarship Chair Jackie Mitchell.

The selection was made by the Scholarship Committee of Saint Louise volunteers. Jackie Mitchell served as Scholarship Chair and committee members Christine Flautt, Collette Rolls and Laverne Mathison were also involved in the selection process.

If you would like more information about the scholarships or becoming a volunteer for Saint Louise Regional Hospital, please contact Gail Paccioretti at (408) 848-4919.