SIDNEY — A local nurse and her husband have established a scholarship fund to support local nursing students. The Betty Lee Riggs Hughes Nursing Scholarship Fund, established by Betty and Wilbur Hughes, is administered by the Community Foundation of Shelby County. The fund will provide awards beginning in 2018 to Shelby County residents who have surpassed college freshman status.

The idea of a nursing scholarship originated with Wilbur Hughes to honor his wife and her devotion to her career.

Betty Hughes recalls visiting her grandparents as a young girl and noting her desire to become a nurse someday. Her grandfather was opposed to a girl becoming a nurse and caring for older men. Upon her graduation from high school, she was accepted into Cincinnati’s Bethesda Hospital School of Nursing. As a high school graduation gift, Hughes received her first nursing watch from her grandmother, but not from her grandfather.

She has never regretted her chosen profession.

“If you love your job and what you are doing, you will never work,” said Hughes. Later this year at age 82, she will renew her nursing license 65 years after obtaining it. She hopes those who receive the scholarship will pursue the nursing profession with dedication, commitment, sincerity, desire and excitement.

Hughes retired in 1990, but continues to advocate for seniors by helping them navigate their healthcare and insurance needs. She has served on numerous boards and commissions.

The online application for the Betty Lee Riggs Hughes Nursing Scholarship and other scholarships administered by the Community Foundation will be available in December.