REBECCA HOWARD began working at Elk River Health and Nursing Center of Fayetteville as a housekeeping aide at 17. When she learned the facility offered CNA classes, she signed up, earned her certification, and continued working there while finishing school. Now, as a homeschooled senior preparing to pursue a nursing degree, she has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Elk River Health and Nursing Center Scholarship Fund — a $25,000 award for local seniors pursuing careers in health care.
Administrator Lisa Veteto said this scholarship was created two years ago because one of the owners had given a similar scholarship in Bradley County.
“They had given a scholarship to a person whose family had never been to college,” Veteto said. “This person got the $25,000 scholarship, went to college, and they encouraged some of their other family members. This started a cycle where more people in their family were getting college degrees.”
This outcome inspired the owners to bring the scholarship to all 16 of their facilities, including Elk River. The award is administered through the Ocoee Foundation, a nonprofit under which Elk River and its sister facilities operate.
To qualify for the scholarship, applicants must be local high school seniors planning to pursue any health care-related field at any college of their choice. The current shortage of medical professionals in the workforce was part of the motivation behind the scholarship, as long-term care facilities across the country continue to struggle with staffing. Older professionals retire, but fewer young people pursue those careers to take their place.
Selection for the award is based on financial need, a minimum GPA, and community service involvement, as well as a written essay from each applicant. The scholarship is renewable for four years based on satisfactory academic progress. One benefit is that the scholarship is fully compatible with Tennessee Promise, allowing students to complete their first two years at a community college for free, then apply all awarded funds to the final two years of a four-year degree.
Jennifer Mitchell, director of social services, admissions, and marketing at Elk River Health, said the selection committee was intentional this year about finding a student who truly needed the opportunity.
“We look for the person who has financial hardship, has a good GPA, and they really want to go to school,” Mitchell said. “Some people are afraid to apply for scholarships because they think, ‘I’ll never get it.’ We’re trying to encourage them to please apply.”
The 2026 scholarship was awarded to Rebecca Howard and presented to her at an Elk River Health banquet on May 6. Applications for future years are accepted annually, and anyone interested should start watching for the application submission dates in early spring.
“All you have to do is show up and do the work, and your college costs are covered,” Mitchell said.
It is an opportunity that supports both local students and Elk River’s ability to continue offering exceptional health care through excellent providers. GN
To find out more about this incredible opportunity, please visit: www.elkriverhrofwinchester.com.
This story is sponsored content.
