Golden Valley Health Centers Foundation presented a total of $25,000 in scholarships to five deserving college students pursuing degrees in nursing and health care.
The scholarship program, named after one of Golden Valley Health Centers’ (GVHC) founding board members, Flora R. Martinez, is a tribute to the essential care provided by nurses. Martinez was a GVHC Board Member for 43 years. She believed in the organization’s mission and had a heart for nurses and a deep appreciation for their love and dedication to the profession. Upon her passing in 2014, her son Tom Martinez promised to continue her legacy, and thus the Flora R. Martinez Nursing Scholarship was established.
The 2022 scholarship recipients come from areas within GVHC’s service region including: Alyssa Walker of CSU Stanislaus, who is working toward an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Luis Lomeli, pursuing an Associate Degree in Nursing and an RN from the College of the Sequoias, Melanie Ruvalcaba, who is working towards a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from CSU Fresno, Natalie Gray, an LVN student at Merced College, and Rebecca DeStefano who is currently completing a Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Nursing from CSU Stanislaus.
“Healthcare is a great career with life-long learning and life-long employment opportunities,” said Tony Weber, President & CEO, Golden Valley Health Centers.  “This scholarship program demonstrates our commitment to cultivating a strong workforce from the talent in our own communities. We know the need for skilled nurses is going to continue and hope that these students might consider GVHC when looking for a place to work.”
Scholarship recipients were selected based on the applicants’ academic performance, financial need and the application letters submitted. A committee of volunteers representing Golden Valley Health Centers Board of Directors and Foundation Board reviewed over a dozen applications.
For more information on the Flora R. Martinez Nursing Scholarship or the GVHC Foundation, visit: www.gvhc.org