HAMILTON, Ala.— North Mississippi Medical Center-Hamilton has awarded $1,000 college scholarships to two recent graduates.

Sierra Reid is a recent graduate of Hamilton High School. She plans to attend the University of North Alabama and pursue a career in mental health nursing. In high school, she was elected Miss August and color guard captain. She was a member of the National Technical Honors Society and graduated with a triple cord in engineering. “Mental health is something I have been very passionate about,” she says. “I hope to abolish the stigma around mental health and build a better foundation for youth.” She has served as an ambassador for Robbie’s Hope, which is a program led by two parents who lost their son to teen suicide. Robbie’s Hope fights to end the stigma around teen mental health.

Julie Anna Byars is a graduate of Marion County High School. She plans to continue to her education at Bevill State Community College, and then at Jefferson State University, where she will pursue a career as a physical therapist. In high school, Byars was active in athletics, playing varsity volleyball and softball. She was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Talent Search, Future Farmers of America, Student Government Association, yearbook staff and others. She was elected Senior Class Treasurer and Leadership Ambassador. She volunteered for several community service projects and received several academic awards. She chose her career path after witnessing her mother go through physical therapy after surgery to remove cancer. “Once I saw where mom started and how she finished PT, I was amazed,” she says.

The scholarships are awarded through the Health Care Foundation of North Mississippi to graduating high school seniors pursuing a health care career. Applicants are judged based on ACT score, high school transcript, extracurricular activities, personal statements, interviews and letters of recommendation.

“We are proud of these students and thankful that we can support them in their dreams of working in the medical field,” said Steven Blaylock, HCF president. “We look forward to seeing them grow into the next generation of health care heroes.”

For more information on scholarships and other HCF projects, visit www.nmhsfoundation.org.