The Bryan Whitfield Memorial Hospital Auxiliary is now accepting applications for scholarships for those pursuing a career in healthcare.

“We actually began accepting scholarship applications back in September,” said Buddy Jones, Auxiliary President. “We wanted to give everyone a enough time to get everything together so that no one would miss out on having an opportunity to apply. We’ve received several applications already, but we’re looking for more.”

With a total of six $1,500 scholarships to award, this is no small endeavor for the group of volunteers. “We look at this as a chance to help not only deserving students receive an education, but also to help promote healthcare as a career choice,” said Jones.

The Auxiliary initiated the scholarship program in 2005 with the establishment of the Emmett and Carolyn Clinkscales Scholarship and the Carolyn S. (Betty) McCormick Scholarship. While both of the $1,500 gift scholarships are available to residents of Marengo, Sumter, Hale, Choctaw, Perry, Greene and Clarke counties, the McCormick scholarship is granted only to children and/or grandchildren of employees of the Tombigbee Healthcare Authority. With a total of six scholarships to present in 2011, three THA family members and three members of the general public will be assisted with their educations.

“This is a one-time, gift scholarship with very few strings attached,” said Jones who adds that the deadline to apply is March 1, 2011. Applications are available at all area high schools in the guidance department, as well as online at the Tombigbee Healthcare Authority’s website, www.bwwmh.com.

Eligibility requirements for each scholarship are as follows. The Auxiliary may award up to $1,500 annually in financial assistance to individuals who reside within the medical service area of the Tombigbee Healthcare Authority and who wish to pursue education in the field of healthcare, without regard to race, color, creed, or national origin. Any individual who is a graduating high school senior or above may apply for the scholarships as long as their chosen field of study is within the healthcare professions. The applicant must provide proof of residency in either of the following counties: Marengo, Sumter, Hale, Choctaw, Perry, Greene, and Clarke. The applicant must possess a high school education or equivalent GED or other qualification relevant to the field of study applicable. To obtain an application or more information, call the Volunteer Services Director at 287-2626.