(7/22/10) – Three area high school graduates were awarded McLeod Medical Center Dillon $1,000 Scholarships. Each was recognized at a luncheon on July 23, 2010. All recipients have plans of pursuing careers in health care.
In 2001, the McLeod Medical Center Dillon Auxiliary established the Chellis B. Ellis Nursing Scholarship in memory of Mrs. Chellis B. Ellis. Mrs. Ellis was a dedicated member of the Auxiliary, and she was also a nurse. Marissa Sianae Davis was the recipient of this award. The purpose of this scholarship is to encourage and enable deserving people from Dillon County to enter the field of nursing. The scholarship is awarded to a student with a satisfactory academic record, good character and a sincere desire to enter the nursing profession. Davis is a graduate of Dillon High School. She is the daughter of Marshall A. Davis and Sarah S. Legette. She plans to attend Francis Marion University and major in Pediatric Nursing.

In 1982 a scholarship fund was established at McLeod Medical Center Dillon in memory of David H. Shuttleworth. Mr. Shuttleworth was a member of the Advisory Board from 1969 until his death in 1979, and he served as President of the Board in 1971 and 1972. Molly Ann Winkeler received this award. The purpose of this scholarship is to encourage Dillon County residents to pursue careers in the health field. The scholarship is awarded to a student who will be enrolled in a health science major, and it is based on the student’s academic merit, leadership, character and need. Winkeler is a graduate of Latta High School. She is the daughter of Kevin and Tammy Winkeler. She plans to attend Florence-Darlington Technical College and major in Occupational Therapy.

In 1978 a scholarship was established by the McLeod Medical Center Dillon Auxiliary to encourage and enable deserving people from Dillon County to further their formal education in hospital-related health careers. The Auxiliary recognizes the value of continued education and the health needs of this community and expresses its desire to assist those who deserve and need assistance. This scholarship will enable this year’s recipient, Ashley Nicole Pernell, to create for herself a richer and fuller life through community health service. Pernell is a graduate of Dillon High School. She is the daughter of Linda Bethea. She plans to attend University of South Carolina-Aiken and major in Nurse Anesthesiologist.

Several years ago, Bill Lee, Hamer, SC, established the Nina Annas Lee Scholarship at McLeod Medical Center Dillon through the McLeod Health Foundation in memory of his beloved wife, Nina. Lee is an adult volunteer and a hospital Auxiliary member for McLeod Medical Center Dillon. He is affectionately called "Mr. Bill" by patients and staff, too. The recipient of the Nina Annas Lee Scholarship is Kristen Bridgers of Latta.

Bridgers received her Bachelors in Exercise Science from Lander University in 2009 and has worked at McLeod Dillon since June 2009. She was hired as Telemetry Monitor Technician and Unit Secretary. She works on the Telemetry Unit. She is attending the Medical University of South Carolina for a Bachelors Degree in Nursing. Her goal is to touch the lives of many people and further her education in nursing. Her anticipated graduation date is December 2011. Bridgers is the daughter of Charles Bridgers and Kelly Bridgers of Latta, SC.