North Hawaii Community Hospital in Waimea recently awarded two scholarships to local students in the nursing field.
The Peggy Dineen-Orsini Scholarship, funded by private donors, is in memory of Peggy Dineen-Orsini, who was a registered nurse at NHCH from 1996-2004, remembered for her compassion for her patients, colleagues and friends.
Jasmine Smeraglia, a student at the University of Hawaii at Hilo majoring in nursing, was awarded $2,000.
Raised in Hilo, Smeraglia was the former student body president at Hilo High School and volunteered for many community organizations such as Special Olympics and the MS Walk. She also works part-time and recently made the UH dean’s list for her academic achievement.
Smeraglia’s goal is to become a registered nurse and possibly a nurse practitioner, to provide quality health care for the community.
Shawnee Marsh was also awarded a scholarship to help her obtain a bachelor’s of science degree in nursing from Chaminade University.
Marsh was born on Oahu and raised in Waimea and has worked four years as a certified pharmacy technician at NHCH, where she earned a reputation for her strong work ethic and dedication to patients. She volunteers with many groups such as students and the elderly, and knew she wanted to become a nurse after the birth of her baby brother.
Marsh plans to eventually return to Waimea to work as an RN at the hospital.