Beaufort County Medical Center’s volunteer department recently awarded scholarships totaling $8,100 to 15 local students for their service to the hospital.

To be eligible for a scholarship, a student must serve as a volunteer at the hospital for at least three summers and work at least 34 hours each summer.

During the summer months, Beaufort County Medical Center is supported by a group of teenage volunteers called “volunteens.” These dedicated students provide a great service to the hospital and patients, as well as getting a first-hand look at the health-care industry. According to Jan Hamblin, director of volunteer services at BCMC, “Our ‘volunteens’ do so many things to help our hospital staff and patients. They do anything from discharging patients, delivering various items throughout the hospital, to certain clerical duties. It is a delight to have these students with us during the summer months, and it is an opportunity to give some of our regular adult volunteers a break.”

This year’s scholarship recipients are:

• Kaitlyn Banks, daughter of Robin and Teressa Banks, graduated from Washington High School. She plans to study chemistry at Western Carolina University.
• Hannah Bowen, daughter of Rodney and Sarah Bowen, graduated from Northside High School. She plans to study physical therapy at Western Carolina University.
• Marcrissa Carswell, daughter of Bernita Shepard, graduated from Southside High School. She plans to study biological immunology at East Carolina University.
• Kaitlyn Corey, daughter of Sammy and Anne Corey, graduated from Washington High School. She plans to study pharmacology at East Carolina University.
• Jessica Gonzalez-Rodriguez, daughter of Miguel Gonzalez and Leticia Rodriguez, graduated from Southside High School. She plans to attend Beaufort County Community College and become a dental assistant.
• Shanice Hooker, daughter of Ronnie Hooker and Fannie Hooker, graduated from Southside High School. She plans to study finance management/public health at the University of North Carolina-Charlotte.
• Sarah Nicholls, daughter of Kim and Paula Nicholls, graduated from Washington High School. She plans to attend North Carolina State University.
• Krista Norris, daughter of Ray and Minni Norris, graduated from Washington High School. She plans to study elementary education at East Carolina University.
• Hannah Pearce, daughter of Laurel and Jule MacKenzie and Scotty Pearce, graduated from Washington High School. She plans to study psychology at Meredith College.
• Blake Rodriguez, son of Edwin and Cynthia Rodriguez, graduated from Northside High School. He plans to study pre-law at North Carolina State University.
• Vanessa Rondon, daughter of Amy Bass, graduated from Washington High School. She plans to study pre-veterinary medicine at Peace College.
• Jeff Swanner, son of Tommy and Pam Swanner, graduated from Washington High School. He plans to study engineering at North Carolina State University.
• Evelyn Vargas-Armenta, daughter of Octavio Vargas and Olivia Armenta, graduated from Southside High School. She plans to study nursing.
• Caroline Williamitis, daughter of Ginger Newbold and Gregory Williamitis, graduated from Washington High School. She plans to study English with teacher certification at Meredith College.
• Taylor Woolard, son of Timmy and Melissa Woolard, graduated from Northside High School. He plans to study pre-law at East Carolina University.