FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, July 1, 2010

Contact:  Robert Preston, Jr.,
              912.260.4276
              robert.preston@sgc.edu

Friends, Family Remember Carrie Parker at SGC Scholarship Presentation

“Carrie Parker was a wonderful person and friend. You couldn’t find a better nurse than Carrie. She was all about taking care of everyone else. She went above and beyond in both friendship and work. She was the most inspirational person I’ve ever met in nursing,” said South Georgia College nursing instructor Susan Clement at the recent Carrie Parker Memorial Scholarship reception, held in the William S. Smith Library at SGC.

More than 15 friends and family created this generous scholarship through the South Georgia College Foundation to assist a second-year nursing student at SGC. Megan Shook, a 2004 Coffee High School graduate from Nicholls, received the first-ever Carrie Parker Memorial Scholarship. Carrie was a 1972 alumna of SGC and spent her career as a labor and delivery nurse at Coffee Regional Medical Center. She passed away in March after fighting a courageous battle against cancer. Carrie worked at CRMC for 35 years. To Carrie, nursing was more than just a job. She would often remain after her shift ended to stay with patients who hadn’t yet delivered their babies. On her off days, she would visit her patients and their newborns. Carrie regularly prayed for patients who were experiencing particularly difficult deliveries. “She was short in stature but had the biggest heart in the world. She was a very dedicated Christian who never wavered in her beliefs. She loved her family, her children, and her grandchildren,” remembered Melva Brown, a close friend and CRMC employee.

“I want to thank you so much. This is an absolute honor. I do have some big shoes to fill and I’m so glad I decided to go into nursing. I hope I will make Carrie proud,” said Megan Shook as she received her scholarship.

“This is a very poignant occasion. Carrie Parker was a good student, outstanding in her field, she loved her family, and she was a woman of faith. What a special way to honor such a wonderful person. Through this scholarship, an up-and-coming SGC nurse will continue Carrie’s legacy and commitment to our community,” said Dr. Virginia Carson, SGC President.

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About South Georgia College

South Georgia College (www.sgc.edu) was founded in 1906 and is a two-year institution in the University System of Georgia. Located in Douglas, Ga., the college's environment gives students exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary study and close collaboration with faculty.