Two local students will have some financial assistance from the Regional Medical Center Auxiliary when they head to college this fall.

Participants of the Summer Enrichment Program, sponsored by the RMC Auxiliary for the 21st consecutive year, were given an opportunity to apply for the Mabry Scholarship and the inaugural Myers Scholarship. The scholarships were awarded to the two students who best met established criteria that included community service and scholastic achievement as well as having completed the 2008 Summer Enrichment Program.

Bashir Hamidi was awarded a $1,500 scholarship from the H. Filmore Mabry Scholarship Fund. He is the son of Rouhollah Hamidi and Mashid Ghalili of Orangeburg.

A graduate of Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School, Hamidi will enter the College of Charleston this fall, where he will pursue a degree in biochemistry. He has aspirations to become a neurosurgeon. While in high school, he was in the international baccalaureate program and served many roles in a variety of clubs and organizations including the National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America and the Robotics Team.

"The Summer Enrichment Program has given me the opportunity to work with one of the best neurologists in Orangeburg -- Dr. Alhatou," Hamidi said. "I have had the chance to observe many procedures and am very thankful to Dr. Alhatou and his wonderful staff for their kindness and patience, which enabled me to experience and learn so much in so little time."

Kaitlynn Turner was awarded a $1,500 scholarship from the Dr. Irene Myers Scholarship Fund. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Turner of Cordova.

A graduate of Edisto High School, where she was first in her class, Turner will enter the University of South Carolina this fall to pursue a degree in pharmacy. While in high school, she was a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council and Junior Classical League, as well as a Junior Volunteer at the RMC.

"I've always known that I wanted to be involved in the health care field, and the Summer Enrichment Program has helped me realize that this is indeed where I belong," Turner said. "I've been exposed to pharmacy on a whole new level, and I now feel more confident about my career decision."

The RMC Auxiliary established a scholarship in memory of Dr. Irene Myers to support and enhance the RMC scholarship that benefits the RMC's Summer Enrichment Program students. The scholarship was established to recognize Myers' 45 years of service in public education and her passion for the opportunities the Summer Enrichment Program provides local students who are interested in health care professions.

Myers joined the RMC Auxiliary in February 2000 and served as president from 2006 until her death in February 2008.

In the spring of 1995, the RMC Auxiliary established the H. Filmore Mabry Scholarship Endowment to honor Mabry's service to the health care profession and to be used to support some deserving area students in high demand health disciplines. Mabry served 32 years as the RMC's chief executive officer prior to retiring in December 1993; he passed away March 7, 1995.

Special to The T&D

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