David Giles

The Powell Medical Foundation awarded $5,000 in scholarships to six PVHC staff members and a Northwest College nursing student.

The foundation often provides support to staffers who are pursuing degrees, but this year, the nonprofit organization expanded the assistance to those getting certifications through continuing education.

Ashley Sowerwine received support for an MRI certification, and Joneen Costigan received support for her certification in pediatric emergency nursing. The foundation also provided an award to Katherine Blevins, who is pursuing her license practical nurse certification.

“Thank you so much for the grant. I cannot express enough how much this means to me,” Costigan told the foundation. “I am so very honored the foundation chose me as one of the recipients.”

Other awardees included David Giles and Emily South, who are pursuing bachelor’s degrees in nursing, and Jamie Buck, who is pursuing a bachelor of science degree in health information.

Giles currently works as an RN in the emergency department.

“This grant will help me greatly in terms of my finances, allowing me to concentrate more on school and work,” Giles said.

Powell Medical Foundation Executive Director Megan Pfefferle said the grant committee decided to open up the program to staff pursuing certifications this year because they allow the hospital to expand its services. That, in turn, generates more revenue for the organization.

The foundation also gifted $1,000 to Abby Cook, who is a second-year nursing student at Northwest College.