Memorial Hospital Announces Burdonne Young Scholarship Recipients

The Memorial Hospital Foundation has announced the winners of the 2016 Burdonne Young Scholarships. The scholarships are named in honor of the late Burdonne Young, former nurse for Memorial for over 50 years. These scholarships are awarded annually to dependents of Memorial employees enrolled as a full-time, undergraduate student at a college or university in the Fall of 2016 or are currently enrolled at a university.

Memorial Hospital Foundation selects six candidates to receive the Burdonne Young Scholarships. The Scholarships are made possible by Memorial employees who donated funds through the Foundation Employee Drive to the Burdonne Young Scholarship Fund.

Thank you to those who have made it possible for the following six students to move forward in their education:

Scholarships in a Healthcare related field:

Courtney Ladner is the daughter of Melissa Ladner, Clinical Nutrition.  Courtney attended St. Patrick Catholic High School where she attained a 4.0 GPA and scored a 29 on the ACT.  She plans to attend Mississippi State University in the Fall majoring in Bio-chemistry, concentration in Pre-Med.  While at St. Patrick Courtney was a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and several other student and campus ministries.  Courtney is a community volunteer and said “I work great with others and I love to help others in need”.

Kolby Wesson is the daughter of Morgan Wesson, Staff Accountant.  Kolby attended Gulfport High School where she attained a 4.0 GPA and scored a 29 on the ACT.  She plans to attend the University of Alabama in the Fall majoring in Exercise Science.  While at Gulfport High Courtney was a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Student Ambassador and several other organizations.  Kolby said, “throughout my high school career I have discovered a passion for serving others.  I smile knowing I am on my way toward my goal of becoming a physical therapist”.

Katlynn Blankinchip is the daughter of Amanda Saucier, Physician Coder.  Katlynn attended Harrison Central High School where she attained a 3.5 GPA and scored a 22 on her ACT.  She plans to attend the Jefferson Davis Community College in the Fall majoring in Physical Therapy.  While at Harrison Central Katlyenn was a member of the Spanish Honor Society, and volunteered for several community organizations.  Katlynn said after seeing her grandmother’s successes as an Occupational Therapy patient it inspired her to pursue a degree in Physical Therapy.

Scholarships in a Non-healthcare related field:

Nolan Gangemi is the son of Rosemary Gangemi, Clinical Analyst.  Nolan attended Gulfport High School where he attained a 3.4 GPA and scored a 30 on the ACT.  Nolan plans to attend the University of South Alabama majoring in Computer Science.  While at Gulfport High Nolan tutored classmates and volunteered in the community. Nolan said, “I am very dedicated to what I wish to achieve and will go above and beyond all expectations”.

Carter Allen is the son of Teresa Allen, RN/Unit Coordinator-Urology.  Carter attended Gulfport High School where he attained a 3.7 GPA and scored a 27 on the ACT.  Carter plans to attend Mississippi State University majoring in Industrial Engineering.  While at Gulfport High Carter was a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Varsity Soccer, as well as several other organizations.  Carter was recently awarded acceptance into the Shackouls Honors College Program at MSU.

Jessalyn Davis is the daughter of Beth Davis, Case Manager.  Jess attended Gulfport High School where she attained a 3.9 GPA and scored 32 on the ACT.  She plans to attend the University of Southern Mississippi majoring in Entertainment Industry-Management.  While at Gulfport High, Jess was very involved in youth legislature holding office on the executive board, she was a student ambassador and held leadership roles in several student, and community organizations.  Jess has a deep passion for music and said, “it is the foundation of the most important aspects of my life”.