Christina Crookham accepts a scholarship check from WMH Administrator Marvin Goldman (left) and Foundation secretary Pat Niemann (right). Christina Crookham has received a check from the Wills Memorial Hospital Foundation Scholarship to enable her in pursuing a Registered Nursing (RN) degree while she is currently working as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at the hospital. The check was presented by Wills Memorial Hospital Administrator Marvin Goldman, and Pat Niemann, secretary of the Foundation.

The scholarship program was endowed in 1998 through a charitable gift from Mr. and Mrs. Jack Rhodes of Tignall. Their wish is to aid local students in obtaining an education in health related fields or to assist hospital employees who want to continue their education. Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes have realized the need for quality medical care in our rural communities and have supported the hospital with their time and generosity for many years.

Scholarship recipients are obligated to seek employment within 60 days following graduation and continue employment at Wills Memorial Hospital for one year. Hospital employees are also obligated to continue employment for one year after receiving a scholarship.

Scholarship applications are available through the Human Resources Director at Wills Memorial Hospital. All applications are confidentially reviewed by the Foundation's scholarship committee. The committee is comprised of the chairman and treasurer of the hospital foundation, and the hospital administrator. The criteria considered by the committee are the applicant's educational goals, present employment at Wills Memorial Hospital, and job performance, commitment to future employment in Wilkes County, and the need for assistance.