2025-2026 Scholarship Receipients (4)

Jon'Bernai Prunty, Recipient of a $1,000.00 Scholarship from Harrisonites Inc.

Descendant of Sherry Aldridge Prunty

Pursuing a career in nursing has become my goal because of both personal experiences and a deep desire to make a meaningful difference in people's lives. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand how compassionate healthcare workers are during the most vulnerable moments of a person's life. I often helped my grandfather get to his medical appointments, and I watched nurses do everything they could to comfort and care for him during his final days. During that time, I realized that patients rely heavily on nurses for support, knowledge, and compassion. Nurses are present during life's most difficult moments, even at the end of life. Their ability to combine medical knowledge with empathy fascinated me and inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare.

As a high achieving student enrolled in Advanced Placement and college level courses, I have always challenged myself academically in preparation for a future in healthcare. I intentionally enrolled in advanced science courses because I wanted to better understand the human body and how medical professionals care for patients. One particular college class made me realize that the healthcare field is truly where I belong. I have always been a curious person, and learning about the human body, health, and patient care left a lasting impression on me. I found fulfillment not only in understanding how the body functions, but also in thinking about how that knowledge could improve someone's quality of life. Nursing stood out to me as the perfect balance between science, medicine, service, and leadership.

My involvement in extracurricular activities has also helped prepare me for my future career. Serving as Senior Class President and participating in organizations such as the National Honor Society, student leadership groups, and service clubs like Target, Interact, and Science club have given me the opportunity to develop leadership, responsibility, and compassion. Through volunteering and working alongside my peers, I discovered that I feel most fulfilled when I am supporting, encouraging, and advocating for others. These experiences have helped strengthen my character and shaped me into a person who values service to my community.

Additionally, my participation in organizations such as FCCLA and my involvement in community service activities through school have allowed me to give back and develop a deeper sense of responsibility toward others. Attendingleadership conferences and volunteering within my school community helped me understand the importance of teamwork, communication, and helping those around me succeed. These experiences have molded my character by teaching me empathy, accountability, and the importance of serving others.

Several nurses I have encountered throughout my life have further inspired my path. Their professionalism, calmness under pressure, and genuine concern for their patients showed me that nursing is not simply a job, but a calling. They demonstrated resilience, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence in high stress situations. Witnessing their impact motivated me to pursue not only a career as a registered nurse, but to continue my education to eventually become a Nurse Practitioner.

Receiving this scholarship would help support my educational journey as I work toward earning my nursing degree. My long-term goal is to become a Nurse

Practitioner so that I can take on greater responsibility in diagnosing conditions and developing treatment plans for patients. In this advanced role, I hope to build strong relationships with my patients while also increasing access to quality healthcare in underserved communities. I am especially interested in advocating for overlooked populations and helping provide better healthcare resources within my community.

Nursing is more than just a career choice for me; it is a commitment to lifelong learning, leadership, and service. I am determined to grow from a dedicated student into a skilled registered nurse and eventually a compassionate Nurse Practitioner who will make a lasting and meaningful impact in the lives of others.

Amare'e Kimora Nugent, Recipient of a $1,000.00 Scholarship from Harrisonites Inc.

Descendant of Mary Alice Davis

Amare'e Kimora Nugent

As a senior preparing to graduate and begin college, I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on what kind of future I want to build for myself. For the longest time, I believed I would pursue a career in psychology because I’ve always been interested in understanding people and helping them through challenging situations. I know that I want to pursue a path where I can make a real difference in people’s lives, which is why I am choosing to study nursing. I am especially interested in earning my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Eastern University because of its strong program, supportive environment, and values that align with my own.

Initially, Eastern University became an option for me through track recruitment. As a student athlete from Rochester, New York, I have worked hard to develop both academically and athletically, and being recruited opened my eyes to opportunities I hadn’t originally considered. The opportunity to continue competing in track while pursuing a strong academic path is what makes Eastern stand out to me.

One of the main reasons I am so drawn to Eastern University is that I am a Christian and want to continue growing stronger in my faith while pursuing my education. I’ve always valued being in environments where my beliefs are supported and where I can grow not only academically, but spiritually. I believe that faith plays an important role in shaping compassion, purpose, and services to others, which are essential in the nursing profession. Being part of a community that encourages both personal and spiritual growth will help guide me as I prepare for a career centered on caring for others.

Throughout my life, I have naturally been drawn to helping others around me. Even when I was younger and in daycare while my mother worked, I found myself helping take care of the younger kids. Whether it was comforting, helping them with homework, or simply making sure they felt included, I enjoyed being someone that they could rely on. As I got older, those same qualities stayed with me. One of the most impactful events was when I had to go to the hospital due to severe stomach issues. I felt terrified, but the nurses who cared for me were attentive, calm, and took the time to explain everything to me. That experience shows me how important nurses are, not just in treating patients physically, but also emotionally as well.

Another major influence in my life has been my Nana, who played the biggest role in shaping my understanding of caregiving. Growing up, I watched her constantly take care of my great-grandmother, who has always been sick. My Nana showed patience, strength, and love every single day, even when it was difficult. She never treated it like it was a burden, but instead as something important and meaningful. Watching her made me realize how important it is to be there for people during their hardest moments. It showed me that caregiving isn’t just about responsibility, but about compassion and commitment. That example has stayed with me and continues to motivate me to pursue nursing.

As a student athlete and captain of my track team, I have learned many skills that will help me in nursing. I balance practices, meets, and training while still staying committed to my schoolwork, which has taught me discipline, time management, and how to stay focused even when I’m tired or stressed. I also work a part-time job in fast food, where I have learned how to interact with people in a fast-paced environment. This job has helped me build communication skills, patience, and the ability to stay calm when dealing with different customers and situations. In school, I work hard to stay organized, meet deadlines, and maintain my grades while balancing everything else in my life. These responsibilities have helped me build discipline, responsibility, and the ability to perform under pressure, all of which are important skills for a future in nursing.

Earning a BSN from Eastern University will help me reach my goals of becoming a registered nurse and building a meaningful career in healthcare. I know the program will challenge me academically while also helping me grow as a person. As I prepare to take this next step after high school, I am excited for the opportunity to learn in an environment that supports my academic, personal, and spiritual growth. I am committed to working hard at Eastern University and using what I learn to make a meaningful and positive contribution in the lives of others through nursing.

Ryley Camille Walker, Recipient of a $1,000.00 Scholarship from Harrisonites Inc.

Descendant of Curtis Walker

Ryley Walker

In a few years, I see myself as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) wearing scrubs in the operating room, providing anesthesia to a patient in a children's hospital. After attaining my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), I will do a minimum of 1 year of Intensive Care Unit experience, and then apply for and complete a doctoral program in anesthesia. Going through this will allow me to gain the scientific knowledge technical skill, and real-world experience that are required to care for patients. I have always had a passion for working with kids, so if I become a CRNA at a children's hospital or clinic near my hometown, I can give back to the children of those who have assisted me along my academic journey.

I think that I should be selected for this scholarship because of my passion to give back. I have lived my entire life in Blytheville, Arkansas. While I love my hometown, it is a very underserved area. This has greatly contributed to my desire to work in a healthcare-related field. Firsthand, I have witnessed the effects a lack of healthcare services can have on a community.

To get a jumpstart, during my college years, I plan to volunteer at various health care facilities and science programs. This will allow me to give back to my community while working towards my degree. With this scholarship, I will be able to continue working toward my goal of becoming a CRNA and give back to the community that raised me.

Santana Tarik Barnes, Recipient of a $1,000.00 Scholarship from Harrisonites Inc.

Descendant of Catherine Jones Satchell

I am applying for the Richard Berry Harrison High School Scholarship because I am a dedicated, confident, and hardworking young man who wants to pursue college, and any additional support will help make this dream a reality. As the starting quarterback for Lutheran Saint Charles High School, I have developed discipline, resilience, and leadership skills that extend beyond the field. Football has taught me the importance of teamwork, accountability, and perseverance, while also providing opportunities to compete in 7-on-7 tournaments and travel, exposing me to new experiences and perspectives.

While athletics are a major part of my life, my goals go far beyond sports. I plan to pursue a degree in education and become an athletic director. I want to combine my passion for athletics with my desire to mentor young people, helping them grow academically and personally. I believe sports teach lifelong lessons such as integrity, collaboration, and determination.

My motivation comes from my family, especially my mother, who has instilled in me faith, confidence, and strong values. These principles have helped me stay focused and become a positive role model in my community.

In addition, I work at the YMCA, where I mentor and coach young athletes. This experience has strengthened my commitment to leadership and service.

Receiving this scholarship would support my educational journey and allow me to continue striving toward my goals while making a meaningful impact on others.

Sincerely,

Santana Barnes