ST. MARYS — JTD Hospital Foundation awarded $2,000 in scholarships to Grand Lake Health System employees who are pursuing a degree in the healthcare field.

Employees who received awards of $500 each were: Amber Hamill, RN, Occupational Health, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, (BSN) from Wright State University; Erica Slay, RN, Home Health & Hospice pursing her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Wright State University; Amy Schmidt, Practice Manager, Wapakoneta Primary Care, is working toward her Healthcare Administration Management degree from Franklin University; and Kimberly Wiener, RN, Emergency Services is pursuing her BSN through Ohio University.

In 1995, a scholarship fund was established in memory of Cindy Bruns, an outstanding nurse who was a role model for other health care professionals. Since that time, at least two $500 scholarships have been awarded annually to current employee(s) of Joint Township District Memorial Hospital interested in continuing education in a medically related field.

The scholarship fund has grown to more than $33,000 and will be a permanent endowment to remember Bruns and also provide assistance to employees who are interested in pursuing a degree in a medically related field.

Linda Haines, executive director, JTD Hospital Foundation states, “These scholarships would not be possible without the work of our co-chairs, Clarice Gigandet, RN and Patti Bailey, RN, their committee and the many hospital employees who support fundraising efforts for this scholarship fund.”