The Donna Curran Memorial Scholarship

    Stratford VNA is excited to have awarded the second of its $500 annual nursing scholarships this past spring to three graduating seniors, one each from Shelton, Frank Scott Bunnell and Stratford High Schools, pursuing  a career in nursing.  The VNA hopes that the money awarded can go towards books and other supplies the students might need.

    It is predicted that by the year 2020, Connecticut will have a shortage of 22,000 nurses.  In response to the nursing shortage, what began as an annual "Denim Day" fund raiser by the SVNA staff for breast cancer research evolved into a weekly Denim Day (where staff pay to wear jeans on Fridays) to establish a SVNA nursing scholarship. 

    This spring, we are excited to host a new fund raising event that involves the students; a prom fashion show.  The event will take place at Bunnell High School auditorium on Thursday, March 4th, 2010 at 7 p.m.  with fashions presented by David's Bridal and Deb.

    We're seeking the participation of community businesses to support this worthwhile endeavor with monetary or raffle prize donations, sponsorships and program advertising.

    Scholarship applications are available at the guidance department of Stratford, Bunnell, and Shelton High Schools.  An applicant must be accepted to an accredited college/nursing school with the intent of receiving a degree or a diploma in nursing and becoming a registered nurse.  The applicant must submit a brief essay, "Why I Chose Nursing as My Profession" and have an average of "B" or greater.

    This years recipients are Diana DeBernardo, Michelle Kyer, and Kristina Bashar.

Diana, Michelle, and Kristina

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Michelle, seen here with her brother and his girlfriend, is a graduate of Stratford High School.  She will be attending Southern CT State University in the fall.

Kristina is a graduate of Bunnell High School.  She is planning on attending Lynchburg College.  Here she is with her mother and grandmother.

Diana will be attending Southern CT State University.  Shown here with her mom, Diana is the first scholarship recipient from Shelton High School.

Here are the pictures from 2008's recipients!

              Dominika with Mary Therien, President                                     Dominika with Julianne, the Chairman of the Scholarship fund

                     Dominika with her mom, Ana Smaga                                      Dominika, her mom Ana, and Stratford VNA staff

                          Irikka with Mary Therien, President                             Irikka with Angela Leonzi, Director of Clinical Services

                                           Irikka and the VNA staff                                                                        Irikka and her mom, Debbie Patrick

For additional information or to contribute to the SVNA Scholarship Fund, please call 203-375-5871 or email us at stratfordvna@stratfordvna.org