The Bryan Whitfield Memorial Hospital Auxiliary is now accepting applications for scholarships for those pursuing a career in healthcare.

"We actually began accepting scholarship applications back in September, said Brenda Parr, auxiliary president. "We wanted to give everyone a little more time to get everything together so that no one would miss out on having an opportunity to apply. We've received several applications already, but we're looking for more."

With a total of six $1,500 scholarships to award, this is no small endeavor for the group of volunteers.

"We look at this as a chance to help on only deserving students receive an education, but also to help promote healthcare as a career choice," said Parr.

The auxiliary initiated the scholarship program in 2005 with the establishment of the Emmett and Carolyn Clinkscales Scholarship and the Carolyn S. (Betty) McCormick Scholarship. While both of the $1,500 gift scholarships are available to residents of Clarke, Marengo, Sumter, Hale, Choctaw, Perry, and Green counties, the McCormick scholarship is granted only to children and/or grandchildren of employees of the Tombigbee Healthcare Authority. With a total of six scholarships to present in 2009, three THA family members and three members of the general public will be assisted with their educations.

"This is a one-time gift scholarship with very few strings attached," said Parr who added that the deadline to apply is March 1. "Because we have so many to express an interest in the program each year, we maintain a very strict deadline. Everything must be turned in by that date; otherwise, the application will not even be presented to the scholarship committee."

Applications are available at area high schools and colleges in the guidance department, as well as online at the Tombigbee Healthcare Authority's website, www.bwwmh.com .

Eligibility requirements for each scholarship are as follows. The auxiliary may award up to $1,500 annually in financial assistance to individuals who reside within the medical service area of the Tombigbee Healthcare Authority and who wish to pursue education in the field of healthcare, without regard to race, color, creed or national origin.

Any individual who is a graduating high school senior or above may apply for the scholarships as long as their chosen field of study is within the heathcare professions. The applicant must provide proof of residency in either of the following counties: Marengo, Sumter, Hale, Choctaw, Perry, Greene and Clarke. The applicant must possess a high school education or equivalent GED or other qualification relevant to the field of study application.

The auxiliary reserves the right to deny, limit or otherwise reject the application of any individual who, in the opinion of the auxiliary executive committee, has failed to demonstrate acceptable academic performance in previous educational endeavors and meet all criteria, standards, and expectations relevant to the selection process. While the auxiliary recognizes the right of individuals to select the school that he/she wishes to attend the group reserves the right to deny, limit, or otherwise reject applicants who wish to attend schools which are not accredited or which, in the experience of the Tombigbee Healthcare Authority, have been found to have high rates of failure on licensure examinations or a high rate of failure among students. The disbursement of funds for scholarship students shall be limited to tuition, books and lab fees. These shall be paid directly to the institution in which they are enrolled.

"We also want to make sure that those who have received or applied for one of these scholarships in the past know that they are welcome to apply for these scholarships each year," Parr added.

To obtain an application or more information, call the volunteer services director at 334- 287-2626. Scholarship applications are also available online at www.bwwmh.com .