Representatives from 40 & 8 Hardy County Voiture 1623 recently presented four $500 checks from their nursing scholarship to Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College nursing students. The nursing student recipients were Michelle Adkins of Pendleton County, Jodee Crites of Grant County, Crystal Goodwater of Hampshire County and Whitney Hall of Hardy County.
“This scholarship has truly been helpful and has assisted me in being able to continue my education without having to work full-time hours throughout my studies,” said Adkins.
“I am honored and extremely thankful to have been awarded the 40 & 8 scholarship,” said Crites. “As a single mom of two little girls, this money will not only help me but also benefit my daughters while I work towards my nursing degree. I hope that they see that through hard work and dedication, they too will be able to make their dreams come true.”
Scholarship support is very important for students to make pursuing their education even more affordable, as well as make it easier for those who work while enrolled.
“Receiving this scholarship has helped me with everyday living expenses while attending school,” said Hall. “I am very grateful for the opportunity to receive the scholarship and can’t express the stress that it takes off of me while focusing on my nursing classes.”
The 40 & 8 was founded in 1920 by American Veterans returning from France after World War I. In 1955, they began their support for nursing education. Voiture 1623 of the 40 & 8, based in Moorefield, has been a longtime advocate and supporter of Eastern’s nursing students with this scholarship
“The 40 & 8 scholarship is much more than monetary support; it is an encouragement,” said Goodwater. “It is wonderful to have help with the cost of school, however, knowing an organization such as 40 & 8 supports me as a veteran’s wife and a nurse in training means so much more.”
This is the second time these students were awarded this scholarship. The first time in October of 2022, they were presented the checks by Jeff Fraley, director of nursing education for Voiture 1623 of the Forty & Eight (40 & 8) Veterans Organization. In support of their nursing scholarship program, members of the 40 & 8 hold several fundraising events each year.
To learn more about Eastern’s nursing program, contact Barbara See at 304-434-8000 ext. 9268 or barbara.see@easternwv.edu.
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Representatives of 40 & 8 Voiture 1623 (back), present $500 scholarship checks to four Eastern nursing students. Pictured, from left, are Alicia Van Meter, nursing director, Michelle Adkins, Whitney Hall, Crystal Goodwater, Jodee Crites and Micaela Kidwell, nursing faculty member.