A collage of 2 photos. One has 2 women in maroon scrubs with their hands on their hips and the other is a woman in maroon scrubs and a white jacket with her hands in her pockets.

Nationwide Children's Hospital has chosen three outstanding individuals—Taylor Blakeman, Madison Cunningham, and Rachel Graves—to receive prestigious $15,000 scholarships, marking a significant milestone in the hospital's commitment to supporting aspiring nurses. These scholarships not only represent a pivotal moment for the recipients but also underscore the hospital's dedication to nurturing talent and fostering transformative journeys in healthcare.

Rachel Graves (Left) and Taylor Blakeman (Right)

Taylor Blakeman, whose journey into nursing was momentarily halted due to her mother's health issues, expressed the profound impact of the scholarship on her personal and professional aspirations: "It means that I can finally achieve the goals I've always dreamed of and pursue the heart of nursing that I've always wanted to do. It's truly awesome." Taylor is enthusiastic about commencing her nursing career with a focus on pediatric care and expresses gratitude for the financial support alleviating worries about potential hardships.

Madison Cunningham, another standout recipient, reflects on the transformative effect of the scholarship on her educational pursuit: "I feel like it makes it a lot easier, and my mind's more at ease. I'm not worrying about paying my tuition and knowing if I'm going to be able to continue." Madison, resilient in the face of life's challenges, shares her journey into nursing, emphasizing her readiness to commit to education after navigating past hurdles.

Rachel Graves, the third standout recipient, brings her seven years of experience as a nursing assistant into focus: "I went to Pickaway-Ross when I was in high school. That was about seven years ago. So, I've been a nursing assistant since then." Despite personal hardships, including the loss of a child, Rachel is glad to be back at Pickaway-Ross, appreciating the hybrid program that allows her to balance both work and school seamlessly.

Madison Cunningham poses for a photo.

Nationwide Children's Hospital solidifies its commitment to the next generation of healthcare professionals. As part of the program, Taylor, Madison, and Rachel will work for two years at Nationwide Children's Hospital upon completing their nursing program. This hands-on experience ensures a smooth transition from student to professional and aligns with the hospital's dedication to fostering the next generation of healthcare leaders.

Expressing excitement about spending two years working at Children's as part of the scholarship, Madison acknowledges the competitive nature of securing a job after graduation. She highlights the value of this opportunity, ensuring a smooth transition from student to professional and offering a sense of security, allowing her to graduate with a job already secured. This chance to gain immediate experience and contribute to the field upon completing her nursing education is a pivotal aspect of the scholarship.

These scholarships go beyond financial support; they symbolize a belief in Taylor, Madison, and Rachel's potential to make substantial contributions to the nursing profession. As they embark on this transformative journey, the scholarships from Nationwide Children's Hospital serve not only as financial support but as beacons of hope, casting light on pathways toward brighter and more inclusive futures in healthcare.

For more information about the Practical Nursing program at Pickaway-Ross Adult Education, please visit: https://www.pickawayross.com/o/ae/page/practical-nursing