Local Nursing Students Awarded Full Tuition Support Through New Scholarship

Local Nursing Students Awarded Full Tuition Support Through New Scholarship

Panama City, FL— Two Gulf Coast State College nursing students have been selected as the first-ever recipients of the Dennis and Kay Wallace Nursing Scholarship Award, a new fund designed to provide full tuition support for two consecutive academic years to students pursuing nursing degrees. This one-of-a-kind scholarship is the first of its kind at the GCSC Foundation to fully fund tuition over multiple semesters—helping remove one of the biggest barriers to student success.

The scholarship was established by Dennis and Kay Wallace, who were inspired by a family member’s journey through nursing school and motivated by a desire to give back to their community in a meaningful way. Their vision ensures that future nurses can remain focused on their education without the burden of financial stress.

This year’s recipients, Brisa Carrera-Rojas and Leilana Lehtio, are both working toward their associate degrees in nursing while overcoming unique challenges along the way.

Brisa, a Bay High School graduate, chose Gulf Coast State College for its affordability and personalized learning environment.

“I don’t come from a wealthy family, so I couldn’t afford a four-year university—even if I wanted to,” Brisa said. “People dream of going to big-name schools, but I believe smaller colleges like Gulf Coast give you better access to your professors and a stronger chance to learn. Receiving this scholarship is a blessing, and I’m so thankful.”

Leilana, a Rutherford High School graduate, is a first-generation college student, single parent, and mother of three, commuting more than an hour to campus.

“This scholarship will help me immensely with the costs of school and gas,” she said. “It gives me the chance to pursue nursing while supporting my family.”

The Dennis and Kay Wallace Nursing Scholarship Award is available to two GCSC nursing students annually. Recipients must be accepted into the nursing program and demonstrate financial need, with preference given to graduates of Bay High School and Rutherford High School who maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The scholarship covers full tuition for the fall and spring semesters over two consecutive years, offering stable, reliable support throughout the program.

“This scholarship is unique—it’s the first at the Foundation to cover full tuition for two years,” said Ashlin Glatthar, Executive Director of the GCSC Foundation. “Thanks to the Wallace family’s generosity, Brisa and Leilana can stay focused on their dreams of becoming nurses, and we’re honored to be part of their journey.”

To learn more about scholarship opportunities or to support students pursuing high-demand careers in nursing and healthcare, visit www.gcscfoundation.org.

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For more information, please contact Lauren Campbell, Director of Advancement and External Affairs, [email protected] or (850) 960-4555