Six future nurses are a step closer to their dream thanks to more than $22,600 in scholarships from Sarah and Friends.  Sarah and Friends was formed by the parents of Sarah Birsic – Dr. William and Kathleen Birsic (in the back row center of photo) - and Sarah’s friends after her untimely death in an ATV accident in September 2012.

The group’s goal is to raise funds to support young women in need, helping them to realize their full potential. On Monday, September 9, that came in the form of the nursing education scholarships. Among the recipients was Shelby Kite, who recently returned to Blessing-Rieman to finish her degree after surviving cancer and a related heart transplant. 

Shelby wrote in her scholarship essay, “After an extensive patient experience, I’m ready to begin my life as a nurse, to use the worst days of my life as inspiration to better the lives of others.” 

The other scholarship recipients were Madeline Bauer, Sarah Kramer, Maria McPherson, Patience Oboh and Natiaya Thompson.