Fawcett Hospital presents scholarships to Big Brothers Big Sisters mentorship program participants
HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital proudly awarded scholarships to two outstanding students from the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentorship program as part of its commitment to education, mentorship and inspiring healthcare careers. The hospital has sponsored the organization for two years now, mentoring 18-20 students per year with 12 hospital leaders acting as mentors.
Scholarship recipient Jenna Smith completed the pre-nursing program at Charlotte Technical College this year and has been accepted into the nursing program at Florida International University. She is passionate about helping others and is particularly drawn to the field of mental health. She wants to raise awareness and expand access to mental health services — especially in underserved communities.
Scholarship recipient Mariana Valdez-Gonzalez recently graduated from Port Charlotte High School and is excited to pursue a career in radiology. Her passion for science and technology is what led her to this field. Valdez-Gonzalez was deeply inspired by the radiology professionals who cared for her grandmother during a time of need. Their compassion and dedication left a lasting impression on her, and now she’s determined to follow in their footsteps, treating her future patients with the same level of respect and empathy.
“Our mission goes beyond healthcare; it’s about investing in the future of our community,” said Michael Ehrat, chief executive officer at Fawcett Hospital. “We’re proud to recognize these students who represent hope, resilience and the power of mentorship.”
“I want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to HCA Florida Fawcett Hospital for your time, generosity and unwavering dedication to these young individuals,” said Melissa Reynolds, regional program director for Big Brothers Big Sisters Sun Coast. “Their commitment to supporting education for students through scholarships is nothing short of life-changing. These scholarships will help ease the financial burdens that so many students face — rising book costs, housing expenses and even daily necessities like food. More than that, they represent an investment in dreams, an encouragement to stay the course and the freedom to focus fully on their studies.”
The partnership between Fawcett Hospital and Big Brothers Big Sisters aims to uplift youth through opportunities that open doors to education and careers. The scholarships are part of the hospital’s broader community outreach efforts to support youth development and educational access.