CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital Awards $10k in Scholarships to Local Students

Five area high school seniors were honored with scholarships totaling $10,000 as part of the 2024 ‘Women with Heart’ scholarship contest during a ceremony at CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital.

More than 70 videos were submitted from across the area and students were tasked with creating a video that focused on American Heart Month, with the aim of building awareness of heart disease, specifically for women.

Alyssa Strickland, a homeschooled student, was named the winner, earning the $5,000 grand prize.

“As soon as she said my name, it took me a minute to process that I was the winner,” Strickland said. “I learned so much about heart health for women during this process and I am so thankful to everyone who voted for me.”

The Lindale High School duo of Ashlynn Blankenship and Kayla McCoy finished second and third, respectively.

They will receive $2,500 and $1,500, respectively, for their efforts.

“We wanted them to learn about heart health and specifically the impact heart disease has on women,” said Deb Chelette, regional vice president, cardiovascular services. “They all had such great submissions that showed they took the time to learn about heart disease and, hopefully, gain some valuable knowledge.”

The remaining finalists, Elizabeth Kuhlmann and Nicole Hines, each received $500.

As for Strickland, she says she plans to use the scholarship to support her goal of becoming a nurse.

“Both my mom and my sister are nurses, so I have a lot of great experience in my family,” she said. “I am so excited to be able to help people.”