North Hawaii Community Hospital 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 North Hawaii Community Hospital from 1996 to 2004, remembered for her compassion for her patients, colleagues and friends.
Jasmine Smeraglia, a student at UH Hilo majoring in nursing, was awarded $2,000. Raised in Hilo, Jasmine was the former student body president at Hilo High and volunteered for many community organizations such as Special Olympics and the MS Walk. Jasmine also works part-time and recently made the UH Dean’s list for her academic achievement. Jasmine’s goal is to become an RN and possibly a nurse practitioner, to provide quality healthcare to those in our community.
Shawnee Marsh was also awarded a scholarship to help her obtain her bachelors of science in nursing from Chaminade University. Shawnee was born on Oahu and raised in Waimea and has worked for four years as a certified pharmacy technician at North Hawaii Community Hospital where she earned a reputation for her strong work ethic and dedication to patients. Shawnee 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. Shawnee plans to eventually return to Waimea to work as an RN at NHCH.
