Grace E. Smith Memorial Scholarship
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The Grace E. Smith Scholarship was instituted to honor the late Grace Smith of Telfair County, who succumbed to cancer after a valiant ten month battle. Her positive attitude and ever present smile made an impact in the lives of many people. As part of her legacy, the Grace E. Smith Scholarship was founded. The family partnered with Community Hospice in Vidalia because of their outstanding care, support and love for Gracie during her and her family’s deepest hour of need. The family also partnered with Southeastern Technical College in Vidalia as a local education institution for those who are earning their degree.
During her stay at the Hospice House, Grace received the best of care from licensed professionals. Because of the impact in the Smith family’s life they wanted to give back to Community Hospice by creating a volunteer program through their scholarship. It is their hope the scholarship will benefit the recipient while providing an excellent opportunity for community service within Community Hospice of Vidalia.
October 6, 2014, the Day of Grace was celebrated by giving the first ever Grace E. Smith scholarship to the well deserving Julie Cortez who attends Southeastern Technical College in Vidalia, Georgia. The 2015 Grace E. Smith Memorial Scholarship recipient was Wheeler County Native, Jason Newton. October 6, 2016, Erin Brown was chosen by her Professors to be the recipient of our Grace E. Smith Scholarship. Each well deserving recipient received $1000 scholarship to help further their medical education.
During her stay at the Hospice House, Grace received the best of care from licensed professionals. Because of the impact in the Smith family’s life they wanted to give back to Community Hospice by creating a volunteer program through their scholarship. It is their hope the scholarship will benefit the recipient while providing an excellent opportunity for community service within Community Hospice of Vidalia.
October 6, 2014, the Day of Grace was celebrated by giving the first ever Grace E. Smith scholarship to the well deserving Julie Cortez who attends Southeastern Technical College in Vidalia, Georgia. The 2015 Grace E. Smith Memorial Scholarship recipient was Wheeler County Native, Jason Newton. October 6, 2016, Erin Brown was chosen by her Professors to be the recipient of our Grace E. Smith Scholarship. Each well deserving recipient received $1000 scholarship to help further their medical education.
2020 Grace E. Smith Scholarship Recipient
Gina Williamson
Photo and Write-Up Coming Soon!
2019 Grace E. Smith Scholarship Recipient
Erica D. Hillman
Congratulations Erica Hillman, recipient of this year’s Grace E. Smith Memorial Scholarship.
“This scholarship is possible because of the love & generosity of Grace’s parents, family, & friends, as well as that of Community Hospice. Her parents, Eric & Laura Smith, make a special effort each year to meet & get to know the scholarship recipient, & it has truly been a pleasure working with them & continuing Grace’s legacy in this way,” said Blythe Wilcox, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement.
Erica said, “I am simply honored to be receiving this scholarship. I know that Grace was a wonderful person & an inspiration to others. I want to say thank you so much for making it a little easier to get through college & become a RN & make a difference in lives. My mom, who is a nurse practitioner now, worked in hospice care as a RN for several years. I knew then it was something that I wanted to do.”
“This scholarship is possible because of the love & generosity of Grace’s parents, family, & friends, as well as that of Community Hospice. Her parents, Eric & Laura Smith, make a special effort each year to meet & get to know the scholarship recipient, & it has truly been a pleasure working with them & continuing Grace’s legacy in this way,” said Blythe Wilcox, Executive Director of Institutional Advancement.
Erica said, “I am simply honored to be receiving this scholarship. I know that Grace was a wonderful person & an inspiration to others. I want to say thank you so much for making it a little easier to get through college & become a RN & make a difference in lives. My mom, who is a nurse practitioner now, worked in hospice care as a RN for several years. I knew then it was something that I wanted to do.”
2018 Grace E. Smith Scholarship Recipient
Amber Yawn
"I initially began attending night classes at Southeastern Technical College in January of 2016; however, I believe the Lord placed a desire in my heart for nursing long before that time. One Sunday afternoon many years ago, I was standing my great-grandmother's bedside feeding her, she looked up at me and said, "You are going to make a mighty fine nurse one day." I believe that is when I felt the calling to become a nurse...".
Amber's hard work, determination, and high recommendations from her teachers make us proud to name her among the family of recipients of the Grace E. Smith Memorial Scholarship.
Amber's hard work, determination, and high recommendations from her teachers make us proud to name her among the family of recipients of the Grace E. Smith Memorial Scholarship.
2017 Grace E. Smith Scholarship Recipient
Amy Griffin
Amy Griffin of Swainsboro was named the recipient for the 2017 Grace E. Smith Scholarship.
The $1000 scholarship will be awarded once per year, the first half in the Fall semester and the second upon that semester's completion and registration for the next, to a student in a health care program. This health care focus is due in large part to Vidalia Community Hospice, who aids in the fundraising process for the scholarship, and more importantly, care for the late Grace Smith.
"She is a hardworking, dependable and likeable person. Her smile brightens the room when she walks in with her friendly greetings. There are people in our walk of life that do not seem to fit the field that they are working, but nursing is definitely Amy's calling in life. The compassion she has for the wellbeing of others shows in all aspects of her work," read Griffin's recommendation letter.
Griffin is the fourth STC student to receive the scholarship since its foundation in 2014.
The scholarship was established by the friends and family of Grace, a native of Telfair County, along with Community Hospice. Grace lost a 10-month battle with pediatric sarcoma cancer in May of 2013. She was 20 years old.
Another Grace E. Smith Memorial Scholarship will be presented in the Fall semester of 2018, continuing a celebration of those who inspire and make a positive difference in their world.
The $1000 scholarship will be awarded once per year, the first half in the Fall semester and the second upon that semester's completion and registration for the next, to a student in a health care program. This health care focus is due in large part to Vidalia Community Hospice, who aids in the fundraising process for the scholarship, and more importantly, care for the late Grace Smith.
"She is a hardworking, dependable and likeable person. Her smile brightens the room when she walks in with her friendly greetings. There are people in our walk of life that do not seem to fit the field that they are working, but nursing is definitely Amy's calling in life. The compassion she has for the wellbeing of others shows in all aspects of her work," read Griffin's recommendation letter.
Griffin is the fourth STC student to receive the scholarship since its foundation in 2014.
The scholarship was established by the friends and family of Grace, a native of Telfair County, along with Community Hospice. Grace lost a 10-month battle with pediatric sarcoma cancer in May of 2013. She was 20 years old.
Another Grace E. Smith Memorial Scholarship will be presented in the Fall semester of 2018, continuing a celebration of those who inspire and make a positive difference in their world.
2016 Grace E. Smith Scholarship Recipient
Erin Taylor Brown
Grace Smith, the 20-year-old McRae woman who succumbed to cancer in 2013, already has an impressive legacy due to the work of her family and friends, but now her memory will provide a better life for others. Erin Brown was named the recipient of the Grace E. Smith Memorial Scholarship.
The $1000 scholarship will be awarded once per year, the first half in Spring semester and the second upon that semester’s completion and registration for the next, to a student in a health care program who desires to work in the hospice field. The hospice focus is due in large part because Community Hospice, which aids in the fundraising process for the scholarship, matches the donations and, more importantly, cared for the late Smith.
The native of Tattnall County, Brown graduated from Tattnall County High School in 2011 and is currently enrolled in the Practical Nursing program at STC. Erin has also earned a Bachelor’s of Science & Public Health from Georgia Southern University in December 2015. “I wish to further my education because I want to make a difference in people’s lives,” Erin said. Erin is the daughter of Herb and Gina Brown of Reidsville.
“As an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, I understand the commitment and challenges that face a young student entering into the nursing profession, and I know that such a hardworking, determined and compassionate young woman (as Erin) will be successful both during her academic years as well as in her professional career,” read Brown’s recommendation letter.
Another Grace E. Smith Memorial Scholarship will be presented in the fall semester of 2017, continuing a celebration of those who inspire and make a positive difference in their world. More on Smith and the work done in her name can be found at dayofgrace.org.
The $1000 scholarship will be awarded once per year, the first half in Spring semester and the second upon that semester’s completion and registration for the next, to a student in a health care program who desires to work in the hospice field. The hospice focus is due in large part because Community Hospice, which aids in the fundraising process for the scholarship, matches the donations and, more importantly, cared for the late Smith.
The native of Tattnall County, Brown graduated from Tattnall County High School in 2011 and is currently enrolled in the Practical Nursing program at STC. Erin has also earned a Bachelor’s of Science & Public Health from Georgia Southern University in December 2015. “I wish to further my education because I want to make a difference in people’s lives,” Erin said. Erin is the daughter of Herb and Gina Brown of Reidsville.
“As an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, I understand the commitment and challenges that face a young student entering into the nursing profession, and I know that such a hardworking, determined and compassionate young woman (as Erin) will be successful both during her academic years as well as in her professional career,” read Brown’s recommendation letter.
Another Grace E. Smith Memorial Scholarship will be presented in the fall semester of 2017, continuing a celebration of those who inspire and make a positive difference in their world. More on Smith and the work done in her name can be found at dayofgrace.org.
2015 Grace E. Smith Scholarship Awarded to Wheeler County Student Jason Newton
Grace Smith's parents and siblings present Jason Newton with the award for the Grace E. Smith Memorial Scholarship on November 12, 2015. (back row, left to right) Jared Smith, Jesse Smith, Mr. Larry Calhoun, STC President, Jason Colbert, CEO Community Hospice (front row, left to right) Alese Smith, Eric Smith, Laura Smith, Jason Newton, Charla Nail, STC Foundation
Special to The Wheeler County Eagle
Grace Smith, the 20-year old McRae woman who succumbed to cancer in 2013, already has an impressive legacy due to the work of her family and friends, but now her memory will provide a better life for others.
Jason Newton was named the recipient of the second Grace E. Smith Memorial Scholarship for 2015. The $1000 scholarship will be awarded once per year, the first half in Spring Semester and the second upon that semester’s completion and registration for the next, to a student in a health care program who desires to work in the medical field and is willing to volunteer hours to Vidalia Community Hospice. The hospice focus is due in large part because community Hospice, which aids in the fundraising process for the scholarship, matches the donation and more importantly, cared for the late Grace Smith.
A native of Wheeler County, Newton graduated from Wheeler County High School in 2005 and is currently enrolled in the Associate of Science in Nursing program at STC. After the scholarship committee reviewed all the applications, Newton’s ambition and work ethic made him the unanimous selection.
“Jason is very ambitious: has a strong desire to succeed at what he starts and is the type of person that wants to perform at a higher level than what is expected.“ read Newton’s recommendation letter. “He is one to volunteer and step up when extra hands are needed for special projects/events.”
Another Grace E. Smith Memorial Scholarship will be presented in the fall semester of 2016, continuing a celebration of those who inspire and make a positive difference in their world. More on Grace Smith and the work done in her name can be found at dayofgrace.org
Special to The Wheeler County Eagle
Grace Smith, the 20-year old McRae woman who succumbed to cancer in 2013, already has an impressive legacy due to the work of her family and friends, but now her memory will provide a better life for others.
Jason Newton was named the recipient of the second Grace E. Smith Memorial Scholarship for 2015. The $1000 scholarship will be awarded once per year, the first half in Spring Semester and the second upon that semester’s completion and registration for the next, to a student in a health care program who desires to work in the medical field and is willing to volunteer hours to Vidalia Community Hospice. The hospice focus is due in large part because community Hospice, which aids in the fundraising process for the scholarship, matches the donation and more importantly, cared for the late Grace Smith.
A native of Wheeler County, Newton graduated from Wheeler County High School in 2005 and is currently enrolled in the Associate of Science in Nursing program at STC. After the scholarship committee reviewed all the applications, Newton’s ambition and work ethic made him the unanimous selection.
“Jason is very ambitious: has a strong desire to succeed at what he starts and is the type of person that wants to perform at a higher level than what is expected.“ read Newton’s recommendation letter. “He is one to volunteer and step up when extra hands are needed for special projects/events.”
Another Grace E. Smith Memorial Scholarship will be presented in the fall semester of 2016, continuing a celebration of those who inspire and make a positive difference in their world. More on Grace Smith and the work done in her name can be found at dayofgrace.org
Grace E Smith 2014 ScholarshipGrace Smith Scholarship Awarded to Toombs County Student
October 21, 2014 - Grace Smith, the 20-year-old McRae woman who succumbed to cancer last year, already has an impressive legacy due to the work of her family and friends, but now her memory will provide a better life for another young woman. Julie Cobos Cortez was named the recipient of the first Grace E. Smith Memorial Scholarship on Oct. 6, coinciding with this year’s “Day of Grace.” The $1000 scholarship will be awarded once per year, the first half in Fall semester and the second upon that semester’s completion and registration for the next, to a student in a health care program. This health care focus is due in large part to Community Hospice, who aids in the fundraising process for the scholarship and, more importantly, cared for the late Smith. The 19-year-old Cortez, of Toombs County, graduated from Toombs County High School in 2013 and is currently enrolled in the Health Care Assisting program at STC. After the scholarship committee reviewed all applications, Cortez’s ambition and work ethic made her the unanimous selection. “After (high school) graduation, Julie immediately went to work,” read Cortez’s recommendation letter. “I have seen her balance a full college schedule as well as holding down two jobs. On many occasions, I have observed her studying during her short break periods. She uses every moment of the day to help further her education (both in life and academics).” Another Grace E. Smith Memorial Scholarship will be presented in the spring semester of 2015, continuing a celebration of those who inspire and make a positive difference in their world. More on Smith and the work done in her name can be found at dayofgrace.org. |
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