Alexandra Harris of Morrisonville and Caitlin Edwards, Ryleigh Hurley, Kailynn Ray and Olivia Burrell, all of Taylorville, were each awarded scholarships to assist them as they earn their certified nursing assistance certificate. All are students enrolled in Lincoln Land Community College’s CNA program in Taylorville.

“Taylorville Memorial Hospital is investing in our community’s health through the development of CNAs and partnerships with Lincoln Land Community College,” said Eli Heicher, chief nursing officer at Taylorville Memorial Hospital. “Developing these ‘home-grown’ nurses is important work. These young nurses have potential to become some of our greatest resources as they come to know our hospital inside and out and they come to know our patients.”

Katie McCarty’s mother, Pam Roseberry, established the Katie McCarty Nursing Excellence Fund through the Taylorville Memorial Foundation in memory of her 19-year-old daughter. Katie McCarty was a nursing school student when she was killed in a car accident in 2008.

“So many people have been touched by Katie’s story,” said Raedena Ryan, executive director of the Taylorville Memorial Foundation. “This scholarship and the impact it has on aspiring health care workers and their patients provide another avenue for Katie’s legacy to shine through others.”

Katie McCarty CNA Scholarships will be available in the fall, spring and summer of each year, coinciding with the CNA program at Lincoln Land Community College. Award amounts range up to $1,000 based on financial need.

For more information about educational grants and scholarships available through the Taylorville Memorial Foundation or to apply for a scholarship, visit memorial.health/tmf or contact Ryan at 217-707-5271.

Organized in 1995, the Taylorville Memorial Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that supports Taylorville Memorial Hospital’s mission to improve lives and build stronger communities through better health.