GHS Foundation Awards 2012 Sam Perry Scholarship to Kalee Edwards
The Granville Health System Foundation has announced that Kalee Edwards of Creedmoor was awarded the third annual Sam Perry Scholarship. Ms. Edwards, who is the daughter of Steve and Kara Edwards, recently graduated from South Granville High School, where she was valedictorian of her class. She will be entering the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill this fall to pursue a career as a family nurse practitioner.
The Foundation established the scholarship fund in memory of Sam Perry, a physician’s assistant (PA) whose specialized medical care had earned him deep respect from both patients and peers throughout his career.
“Sam would be proud to see this talented young woman rewarded for her dedication and achievement in pursuit of a healthcare career,” said Gary Bowman, President of the Granville Health System Foundation. “We will continue to honor Sam’s vision by seeking out exceptional students in the field of allied health for this scholarship.”
The Sam Perry Scholarship is awarded to a Granville County resident who has been accepted into a two-year or four-year Allied Health Program at an accredited school and who intends to pursue a career in the allied health care field. Programs eligible for this scholarship include clinical laboratory sciences, physical therapy, occupational therapy, radiological science, pharmacy, RN, BSN, AND, LPN, dentistry and related careers, physician assistant, and nurse practitioner.
Ms. Edwards’ impressive record illustrates the qualities of academic performance, leadership, and community involvement that are sought by the Sam Perry Scholarship selection committee.
Throughout high school, Ms. Edwards took some of the most challenging courses offered, and won top awards for academic excellence. She held a 4.5 GPA and was selected to be class valedictorian. While attending South Granville High School, Ms. Edwards was also accepted into the North Carolina School of Science and Math, where she took online classes.
Sterling leadership qualities were also exhibited by Ms. Edwards. She has been a Granville County Student of Merit since 2004, and tutored two elementary and middle school students the last three years. She was a member of the National Honor Society, the Beta Club, and the Student Government Association for four years, and the Spanish Club for one year. In 2011, Ms. Edwards was chosen to attend the Rotary Youth leadership Retreat at Camp Kawanis, and to participate in Leadership Granville.
In addition to her heavy academic involvement, Ms. Edwards worked part-time at Bright Beginnings Preschool and volunteered at a local hospital.
“We were impressed by all that Ms. Edwards has accomplished,” said Marshall Tanner, Chairman of the Sam Perry Scholarship Committee. “Her academic and personal achievements certainly have set her apart, and we believe she has an exciting future ahead of her.”
About the Granville Health System Foundation
The mission of Granville Health System Foundation is to serve as a charitable resource for Granville Health System, supporting its commitment to providing quality health care to all citizens of the community, where they work and live. The Foundation builds support for GHS and provides financial resources to purchase new equipment, develop new services, maintain and improve facilities, and recruit new health professionals to Granville County. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501 (c) 3 organization and all contributions are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.
About Granville Health System
Granville Health System provides quality care to more than 86,000 patients a year and has over 100 experienced physicians representing numerous specialties on its medical staff. The main campus is located at 1010 College Street, Oxford, North Carolina, 27565. For more information about Granville Health System, visit GHS online at ghshospital.org.
