Hot Springs, VA – The Lucy Linkenhoker Nursing Scholarship and Bath Community Hospital scholarships were awarded to four outstanding students from Bath County High School’s class of 2007.

Jamie Marie Vestal, daughter of Lisa W. Vestal and James H. Vestal of Hot Springs, was awarded $5,000 a year for four years to earn her bachelors’ degree in nursing at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Jamie was an honors student, a member of the BCHS Band, the Beta Club and the Foreign Cultures Club, and she attended Girls State in 2006. While in high school, Jamie worked as a nurse’s assistant and in medical records at Bath Community Hospital.

Josie Nicole Peery, daughter of Michael and Terry Peery of Hot Springs, and Jessica Rae Jenkins, daughter of Ray and Debbie Jenkins of Warm Springs, were awarded 2-year scholarships to Dabney S. Lancaster Community College. Josie is interested in a career as a medical technologist and worked in the lab at Bath Community Hospital during high school. Jessica works part time in the physical therapy department and plans to pursue a career in physical therapy.

Chelsi Elizabeth Lowry, daughter of Jeffrey and Debra Lowry of Hot Springs, was awarded $1,000 towards her education at James Madison University where she will explore different healthcare opportunities.

“We’re glad these young women are interested in the healthcare field. There is a serious shortage of personnel nationwide, especially in rural communities,” says Ruth Rodgers, RN, a board member and former public health nurse. “We need to continue to encourage our young residents here in Bath County, and by awarding these scholarships, we are encouraging future healthcare careers here at Bath Community Hospital,”

The Lucy Linkenhoker Nursing Scholarship was established in honor of Linkenhoker, a Director of Nursing at BCH, after her death in 1980. The scholarship covers full tuition and books for a student’s entire study program. All applicants must have at least a 3.0 GPA, and must have applied to a nursing program. Recipients are obligated to apply for work as a registered nurse at Bath Community Hospital and, if hired, stay for at least three years.

Former Linkenhoker Scholarship recipients include Emily Bennett, Heather Woodzell, Tracy Persinger, Renee Lindsay, Carolyn Runyon, Michelle Hilton, Carol Hite, Elizabeth Crowell, Robin Cutlip, Lucy Dunnagan, Barbara Howell and Cheryl Lindsay.

Additional scholarships may be available each year to students interested in pursuing a degree in healthcare. Applications for scholarships are evaluated annually by a hospital board committee and are based upon applicants’ interests, grade point average, and the current hospital and community healthcare need.

For more information about the Bath Community Hospital scholarships, contact Debbie Lipes at 540-839-7059 or bcchdl@bcchospital.org.