Five Students Awarded Jo Douglass Nursing Scholarships at KCC

PUHI — Five second-year nursing students at Kauai Community College (KCC) received the prestigious Jo Douglass Nursing Scholarships, presented by Jim Douglass in memory of his late mother, Jo Douglass. This initiative recognizes her lifelong commitment to healthcare and her impact on the community.

“It is an honor to me to honor my mom and my dad,” Jim Douglass stated in a release from KCC. “My mom has always been in the game of helping people in various ways in healthcare.” The scholarships, along with a rose, were awarded to Gillian Perdido, Heather Seely, Madison Keane, John Nostares, and Ashlie Williams.

Students Reflect on Their Aspirations

Each recipient shared their personal stories and motivations for pursuing a career in nursing. Heather Seely, a mother of three, expressed her longstanding dream of becoming a nurse. “I realized there was never going to be an easy time. I’m so inspired by all the nurses who came before me,” Seely said.

Gillian Perdido, whose parents were both nurses, emphasized the influence of her family on her career path. “My mom graduated from the program here,” she noted. “My dad was an Emergency Room nurse, and I want to be an ER nurse.”

John Nostares, who was born and raised in the Philippines, explained his journey to nursing: “I was working as a medical assistant and was inspired to go back to school to become a nurse.” His story illustrates the diverse backgrounds of the scholarship recipients and their shared commitment to the healthcare profession.

Impact of Scholarships on Nursing Education

Nursing Instructor Sharon Ehlers highlighted the significance of scholarships like the Jo Douglass Nursing Scholarships. “When a student gets a scholarship, that takes away a piece of the financial burden, and they don’t have to work so much,” Ehlers said. “Your generosity is not just appreciated by the students, but by the staff as well.”

Jim Douglass emphasized that his parents instilled in him the importance of giving back to the community. The scholarship presentations reflect his commitment to honoring their legacy and supporting future generations of healthcare professionals.

Jo Douglass, originally from Kalaheo, attended KCC before continuing her education in Oahu. She spent 35 years as a surgical nurse in Central Illinois, returning to Kauai after retirement to work in hospice care. Notably, she was among the first nurse aides at Wilcox Hospital. Jim Douglass and his sister proposed the idea of an endowed scholarship in her honor shortly before her passing in 2023.

The Jo Douglass Nursing Scholarships aim not only to alleviate financial pressures but also to inspire students to carry on the legacy of compassion and dedication that Jo Douglass exemplified throughout her career. As these five students continue their education, they carry with them the values instilled by their families and the community.