Memorial Foundation Announces Burdonne Young Scholarship Winners

The Memorial Hospital Foundation has announced this year’s winners of the Burdonne Young Scholarship in a reception given in honor of the scholarship winners on June 29 at Memorial Hospital.

The scholarships are named in honor of Burdonne Young, former nurse for Memorial Hospital for over 50 years. These scholarships are awarded annually to dependents of Memorial employees.

Scholarships in a healthcare related field were awarded to Melissa Moon and Brittany Coolidge. Melissa is the daughter of Bill Moon, ICU, Memorial Hospital and Peggy Moon, RN, Labor and Delivery, Memorial Hospital. She is currently attending the University of South Alabama where she plans to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences. She is an active member of the Biomedical Sciences Society and has been inducted into Alpha Chi National Honor Society. Melissa is active in the community, participating in summer camps for mentally handicapped adults, volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House and volunteering for the Science Olympiad competition.

Brittany is the daughter of Tamara Coolidge, Accounting, Memorial Hospital. She is currently attending Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and plans to attend University Medical Center in the fall to obtain her degree in dental hygiene. Brittany is co-captain of the MGCCC Lady Bulldog soccer team, a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, an Academic All Star and a member of the Bulldog Club. She is the trainer for various positions at Chili’s restaurant and a member of Robinwood Baptist Church.

Scholarships in a non-healthcare related field were awarded to Ratessiea Lett and Dylan Black. Ratessiea is the daughter of Rosia Lett, Health Information Management, Memorial Hospital. She received her Associate of Arts in Engineering at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and is currently attending Mississippi State University, pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering. She plans to enter graduate school with a concentration in Mechanical Engineering/Computer-Aided Design. She has participated in the Undergraduate Student Research Program Internship at Stennis Space Center each summer since 2004. She is a member of the American Foundry
Society, Society of Women Engineers and Challenge X- Outreach Team.

Dylan Black is the son of Julie Black, RN, Memorial Hospital. He is a high school graduate of Gulfport High and plans to attend Mississippi State in the fall to obtain his bachelor’s degree in Architecture. He is vice-president of the Key Club and a member of the International Thespian Society. Dylan participates in activities with the Mu Alpha Theta Club and performs in many plays at the Admiral Little Theatre. He is also active with the youth group at Camp Wesley Pines and the Happening with Trinity United Methodist Church.

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• Memorial Hospital Foundation, Inc.