Visiting Nurse Association Offers Nursing Scholarships

The Newtown Visiting Nurse Association is again offering two nursing scholarships to Newtown residents. The Newtown VNA Scholarship Program was established in 1972 and has awarded $73,750 in scholarships.

The first scholarship, The Newtown Visiting Nurse Association — Anna E. Clow Scholarship is given annually to encourage interest and growth in the nursing profession by offering financial assistance to a graduating high school senior, who is a Newtown resident. The scholarship is given on the basis of interest in the nursing profession, scholarship ability, personality, and recommendation by the Guidance Department and the principal. The scholarship is available to students entering the profession of nursing and studying for an RN (registered nurse) degree or a BSN (bachelor of science in nursing).

The scholarship amount has been increased to $4,000, and will be awarded when the recipient has entered the clinical portion of the nursing program, at least the second year of nursing education.

The second scholarship, the Newtown Visiting Nurse Association — Mary M. Holian Scholarship for Returning Students was established in 1988 in honor and appreciation of Mary M. Holian of Newtown, for her dedication and leadership in the field of public health nursing both in Newtown and the State of Connecticut.

Consideration for the Mary M. Holian scholarship is given to students who live in Newtown and are returning to school for a nursing degree, which could include RN (registered nurse degree), BSN (bachelor of science in nursing), MSN (master of science in nursing), or nurse practitioners degree. Applicants must be entering their second year of training, provided they have completed their first year within the last five years.

The amount of this scholarship has been increased to $2,000.

VNA — Anna E. Clow applications are available at the high school guidance department. Interviews are held in April and the recipient will be announced at the high school awards program.

VNA — Mary M. Holian applications may be obtained by calling Sally Schwerdtle, chairman of the scholarship committee at 203-268-8333 or by written request to the VNA Scholarship Committee, Edmond Town Hall, Newtown CT 06470.