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ICC's Gillespie receives Eliza Pillars Scholarship

Sophomore Itawamba Community College Associate Degree Nursing student Dupree Sims Gillespie of Aberdeen is the 2020 recipient of an Eliza Pillars Scholarship.

Representatives of the organization were at the Tupelo Campus last Monday for the surprise presentation. The student awards are normally presented during a banquet, but due to the restrictions of COVID-19, this was not possible.

Gillespie, who received a $1,500 check, completed a scholarship application and wrote a 300-word essay about nursing and her goals to be considered for the award.

Dr. Dana Walker, director of ICC’s associate degree nursing program, said that the award will make a significant difference for Gillespie, who is juggling work and school responsibilities.  “A statement Gillespie included in her application essay was that she did not see nursing as a job. It (nursing) is her passion, and she loves it.”

“I could not believe my ears when they called my name,” Gillespie said. “This scholarship will help me so much because I can pay the fees that will allow me to continue.”

A graduate of Aberdeen High School, Gillespie plans to work at the North Mississippi Medical Center Hematology/Oncology Clinic where she is presently employed. She attends Mt. Moriah M.B. Church in Aberdeen where she serves as mission co-president and sings in the choir. The daughter of Bonnie R. Sims and the late Rev. Willie R. Sims, she is married to Dennis Gillespie.

The Eliza Pillars Registered Nurses Association is a statewide organization. To be eligible for the scholarship, students must be entering their third semester of the nursing program.

“Eliza Pillars Registered Nurses Association has partnered with us for the past three years, and each year, we have had winners who have received scholarships,” Walker said. “I am proud of the partnership between Eliza Pillars and ICC’s RN program. Many students are having to work too many hours to be successful, so the scholarship money helps them meet their financial obligations and helps them concentrate on their studies.”

 



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