MITTIE B. HIGHTOWER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS
Raymone Thomas, B.S. in Nursing,
Valley High School, New Kensington, Pa.
Lydia Johnson, Radiological Sciences,
Gateway High School, Monroeville, Pa.
Raymone Thomas Lydia Johnson
Raymone Thomas, a bachelor of science in nursing major, and Lydia Johnson, a radiological sciences major at Penn State New Kensington, were the 2011-12 recipients of the Mittie B. Hightower Memorial Scholarship.
The scholarship was created by Hightower Scholars Inc. to support minority students majoring in nursing or science programs at the campus. Thomas, a senior from the city of New Kensington, and Johnson, a sophomore from Monroeville, and other Hightower Scholars from local high schools were recognized June 11, during the Clarence James Memorial Scholarship Reception at the Hill Crest Country Club in Lower Burrell.
A graduate of Valley High School, Thomas is a registered nurse at West Penn Hospital. Working in the inpatient rehab unit, Thomas helps patients regain their independence and prepares them to return home. Thomas expects to graduate in 2012 and to continue her education by pursuing a master's degree. Her "free" time is spent with her husband, Raymond, and their two boys, Raydn, 2, and Rayne, eight months.
Johnson, a Gateway High School alumna, is in the second year of the associate degree program. She is secretary of the X-ray Club and the student representative to West Penn Hospital, one of the five clinical affiliates with the campus program. Johnson will earn her degree next year and plans to further her education in the radiology field.
Headquartered in Lower Burrell, Pa., Hightower Scholars Inc. is a nonprofit organization that assists students with their preparation for a postsecondary education at a four-year college or university. The campus scholarship is one component of a program established by the Hightower family to provide financial assistance for minority college students.
The Clarence James Memorial Scholarship, Hightower Early Success Scholarship, and James Hightower Jr. Steel Scholar recipients are high school students who can use the awards for books and supplies at any four-year college or university. The scholarship program honors the memories of Clarence Graham and James Hightower, the late grandfathers of the organization's founders.
In addition to funding scholarships, the organization sponsors the Mary P. Graham Summer Academy for middle and high school students. The program covers topics such as science, communication skills, computer usage, and ACT and SAT test preparation, and includes a full-time teaching staff and guest lecturers from across the country. Students have the opportunity to visit colleges in the Pittsburgh area along with other field trips, as well as get involved with recreational activities.
For more on Hightower Scholars, visit http://www.hscholars.org/ online.
Mittie B. Hightower Scholarship Recipients
2001-Present
2001
Ralph V. Sabedra
2002
Ralph V. Sabedra
2003
Ralph V. Sabedra
2004
Jose Brian Dela Rosa
2005
Kristen Sandoval
Natalie Thomas
2006
Latasha Clark
2007
Garret Jackson
2008
Pierre Robinson
Jooyoung Hong
2009
Corey Smith
2010
Ashley Reynolds
2011
Raymone Thomas
Lydia Johnson
B.S. in Nursing Program
The nursing program at the New Kensington campus offers registered nurses the opportunity to earn a baccalaureate degree in nursing at the campus. The 120-credit curriculum is fully accredited, and permits adults with community, family and occupational time constraints to pursue a four-year degree. While enrolled in the program, nurses have the opportunity to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to provide comprehensive nursing care to individuals, families, groups and communities. Students have the opportunity to work collaboratively with faculty in designing experiences in the clinical setting that meet individual needs.
Associate in Radiological Sciences Program
Penn State New Kensington's Radiological Sciences program is a comprehensive academic- and clinical-based curriculum. The program begins in the fall of each year and requires 24 consecutive months (including summer sessions) to complete. Students successfully completing the program receive an associate degree in Radiological Sciences from Penn State and are eligible for examination with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) for professional certification. The program is conducted in cooperation with Western Pennsylvania Hospital, Butler Memorial Hospital, Allegheny Imaging of McCandless, Allegheny General Hospital, and Allegheny Valley Hospital.