(Not pictured, Leigh Yang) Photo by GVHCF
LOS BANOS, CA — On July 10th, Golden Valley Health Centers Foundation presented a total of $25,000 in scholarships to five deserving college students pursuing degrees in nursing and healthcare.
The scholarship program, named after one of Golden Valley Health Centers (GVHC) founding board members, Flora R. Martinez, is a tribute to the respect held by the organization for the essential care provided by nurses. Flora R. Martinez was a GVHC Board Member for 43 years. She believed in GVHC’s mission and had a heart for nurses because she understood their love and dedication to the profession. Upon her passing in 2014, her family promised to continue her legacy, and thus the Flora R. Martinez Nursing Scholarship was established.
The 2024 scholarship recipients come from areas within GVHC’s service region including: First-generation college student, Oleh Domchak, who is working toward a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from CSU Stanislaus, Salu Joseph, who is in her final year of college, working toward a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from CSU Stanislaus, Ciara Orpilla, also a CSU Stanislaus student with goals of obtaining a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing, Isaac Romo, who is currently a nursing student at Merced College, working towards obtaining his license as a Vocational Nurse and Leigh Yang, who is a current Modesto Jr College student, working towards an Associate degree in Nursing.
Flora’s spirit of activism and passion for equity lives on. At the ceremony, Flora’s granddaughter, Angelina Seijas, shared memories of Flora’s life and her kindness as well as the positive impact she had on the community. She provided a lifelong example of selfless service, compassion, and advocacy for change. Despite the challenges and barriers she faced, Flora persevered and never let anything stand in the way of her efforts to ensure community members had access to proper healthcare, education, and a place of worship.
Scholarship recipients were selected by a volunteer committee of Golden Valley Health Centers Board of Directors and Foundation Board, based on the applicant’s academic performance, financial need, and application letters submitted.
For more information on the Flora R. Martinez Nursing Scholarship or GVHC Foundation, visit: www.gvhc.org/foundation/
