For DonorsFor Applicants

Lynn P. Brewer, RPh Memorial Scholarship

Funded by
$3,000
1 winner$3,000
Awarded
Application Deadline
Sep 15, 2024
Winners Announced
Oct 15, 2024
Education Level
High School
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school senior
State:
New Hampshire
Field of Study:
Healthcare

Lynn P. Brewer passed away unexpectedly on December 7, 2023 after an incredible career as a dedicated pharmacist for over 40 years. 

Lynn received her Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy from the University of Connecticut in 1979. Throughout her career she worked in clinical and retail pharmacies. Lynn also taught and mentored pharmacy students. After her retirement, she served on the Board of Directors for the local hospital system that served the northern region of New Hampshire. Her goal was to recruit qualified and talented healthcare personnel to rural areas of the state. 

Improving service in rural areas has always been a difficult task because many professionals aren't interested in relocating to such a rural area. Lynn believed the solution was to educate the youth already in the area on the types of healthcare jobs and the need for them locally in order to create a self-sustaining supply of healthcare workers.

This scholarship seeks to honor the life of Lynn P. Brewer by supporting high school students from New Hampshire who are pursuing careers in healthcare. 

Any high school senior who is a New Hampshire resident planning to major in a healthcare field may apply for this scholarship.

To apply, tell us why you have you chosen to pursue a career in healthcare and how do you plan to use your degree to contribute to the healthcare industry your community.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Passion
Published May 3, 2024
Essay Topic

Why have you chosen to pursue a career in healthcare? What do you hope to contribute to the field?

400–600 words

Winners and Finalists

Winning Application

Riley Razzaboni
Bishop Guertin High SchoolNASHUA, NH
Of the many cries for help in the world today, I find the opioid epidemic to be the most tragic and one I hope to help alleviate with a degree in nursing from a reputable college. One night, during freshman year of high school, I went downstairs to say goodnight to my parents and saw them watching the show Dopesick. The show examined the start of the opioid crisis with the introduction of the drug OxyContin to the medical community. The drug, produced by the pharmaceutical company Purdue Pharma, was intended to safely and effectively alleviate pain. I was intrigued. After a glimpse of the show, I asked my dad what was wrong with OxyContin. He explained to me that the drug maker made false claims about its addictive nature and that pharmaceutical sales representatives got paid a lot of money to sell it to doctors, emphasizing its non-addictive quality, without a clear understanding of what OxyContin could do and the implications it could have. The topic continued to fascinate me and at our next family gathering, I asked my uncle, a pharmaceutical sales rep, about his experience with the opioid epidemic. While he did not work in pain management, he witnessed first-hand the perks reps could get with that big sale. He recalled the days of “wining and dining” doctors just to make the sale, regardless of the drug's efficacy. This year, in my AP Gov class, I had to take a stance on a government policy in the United States. The opioid crisis continued to fascinate me, so I chose that as my topic. Through my research, I learned just how much damage opioids could do to society and how opioids kill 69,000 people each year. This research led me to pursue a degree in nursing. I learned of Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) who deal with patient overdoses. These professionals are on the frontline of this epidemic and can make a difference. While I have never experienced someone close to me struggle with opioids or other addictive prescription medicines, I hope to help people with addiction on a personal level. I plan to use my college education to help patients overcome addiction while reducing the number of fatal deaths each year. I am confident a degree in nursing can provide me with skills that will help save lives in the future. Through empathy, compassion, humility, and dedication I feel like I would be a great candidate to carry on the legacy of Lynn P. Brewer in the healthcare field.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Sep 15, 2024. Winners will be announced on Oct 15, 2024.