Megan Bailey of Whiteville is the third nursing student to receive the Fox Family Scholarship. The scholarship was named in 2011 in memory of Amy Lynn Fox Schmitzer, 1969-2011; in honor of Elizabeth Fox Fields, a 2000 graduate of SCC’s ADN program; and in honor of Leon M. Fox, Jr., a valued employee of SCC from 1972 until 2006. Mr. Fox retired as the vice president of operations and finance. The Fox family has played an important role in the history of SCC. The scholarship is awarded to a student in SCC’s ADN program and funds the student’s two-year journey while working toward a degree.
Megan graduated from West Bladen High School with honors and currently lives in Whiteville with her husband, Stephen, who works as a paramedic. A non-traditional student, Bailey graduated from UNC Pembroke with a degree in science and a concentration in biology and environmental science. She knew, however, that her true calling was to become a nurse and that SCC was her college of choice. She was accepted into the ADN program in 2015. Ineligible for financial aid due to having a four year degree, Bailey wondered how she would be able to afford her education.
“The Fox Family Scholarship was the answer to my prayers,” Bailey said. “I have worked two jobs at a time in order to finance my education but nursing school is a real challenge. I can breathe easier and concentrate on my studies thanks to the Fox family. Meeting these fine people at the December pinning ceremony was wonderful. I plan to keep them apprised of my progress and thank them at every opportunity. What an honor to be chosen as this year’s recipient.”
After earning her Associate Degree in Nursing, Megan plans to return to UNCP to earn a Bachelor of Science in nursing.
Amy Clemmons of Whiteville was the first recipient of the Fox Family Scholarship in 2012. “I had no idea that the SCC Foundation had such benevolent donors when I entered SCC,” Clemmons said, “but I quickly learned how important education and SCC students were to the Fox family. That they chose to fund my dream to become a nurse was fantastic.”
Clemmons graduated in December 2013 from the night and weekend ADN program at SCC. In February 2014, she was hired by Southeastern Health in Lumberton as a Medical Surgical/Telemetry floor nurse. She works full time while enrolled at Fayetteville State University. She is in pursuit of her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She will reach her goal in December of 2016.
“I have the distinction of being the first Fox Family Scholarship recipient and the joy of knowing that many more students will become ADN’s because of this scholarship,” Amy said.
Kristie Johnston, the second Fox Family Scholarship recipient was recently pinned at the December ceremony. Lonnie and Ann Fox were present to witness this milestone in her life. Johnston is in the process of taking her state board exams and is currently employed at Columbus Regional Healthcare System in the operating room. She was hired full-time immediately after her graduation.
“With three children to raise and tons of bills to pay, the Fox Family Scholarship couldn’t have come at a better time. My husband and I thank this family from the bottom of our hearts,” Johnston said.
The Fox Family Scholarship has helped three SCC students realize their dreams of becoming Associate Degree Nurses. Lives are changed and careers are made when donors like the Fox family choose to name scholarships at SCC.
If you would like to start a conversation about naming a scholarship or to make a contribution, contact Sue W. Hawks, Executive Dean of Institutional Advancement at 642-7141, ext. 320, sue.hawks@sccnc.edu or by mail to: SCC Foundation, P.O. Box 151, Whiteville, NC 28472.
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