Each year, the Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR or DAR) Mary Isham Keith Chapter (MIK) in Fort Worth awards a scholarship to a student in good academic standing chosen by TCU Nursing faculty. This year, the scholarship was awarded to four students: Ashley Hernandez, Naisa Niyangaresi, Taylor Schmeets and DJ Truza.
The Britton-Evetts Scholarship Award sponsor is a retired heart surgeon who was interested in funding a health-related educational scholarship. He and his wife decided to name their new scholarship the Britton-Evetts Scholarship to honor both their families.
DAR’s mission is to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism. Chapter citizenship awards, scholarships and historic preservation projects have become long-standing traditions in the community.
The award recipients along with Professor in Nursing Gina Alexander, Ph.D., attended the DAR Scholarship Luncheon where chapter members learned more about them and their plans for the future. This year's theme was "Celebrating the Legacy of Yesterday ... Using Our Gifts for the Dreams of Tomorrow."
Learn more about the award recipients below:
Ashley Hernandez
I am a first-generation college student from Fort Worth, Texas. I chose nursing because it offers a rewarding career path and the opportunity to positively impact others' lives. While the profession presents challenges and demands, it brings deep gratification. As a student nurse, I am constantly learning and developing, always striving to provide exceptional care for my patients. Looking ahead, plans are still evolving. Ideally, I hope to secure a position in the Intensive Care Unit or Emergency Room (ER), Additionally, I intend to pursue a master's program to become a nurse practitioner.
Naisa Niyangaresi
I am from Arlington, Texas. I am becoming a nurse because of my mother. When I was young, my parents brought my grandmother from her native country to live with us. The time I had with my grandmother, she was unable to care for herself. My mother fed, walked and talked to my grandmother until her last breath. My mother's loving heart and her practice in nursing have allowed me to start my own journey of becoming a nurse. My plan is to advance my practice and become a practitioner. Thank you, DAR, for seeing something special in me!
Taylor Schmeets
I was born and raised in Granbury, Texas, and I am the proud mom of Henry (6) and Samuel (3), my two greatest blessings. Serving others has always been my intrinsic nature, but nursing was not what I saw myself pursuing until about six years ago. There have been significant events that have served as catalysts to the path I'm now on, and I fervently believe that the conduit for God's calling on my life is as a labor and delivery nurse. I'm confident that I will be the recipient of far greater blessings than I will ever give, but I hope and pray to be a light to others and to make a difference in the life of every person that I'm able to serve.
DJ Truza
I live in Keller, Texas and come from a Romanian family. I am a nontraditional nursing student with have a major in biology and a minor in chemistry. I chose nursing because of my desire to help and serve others who may be less fortunate. I love that nursing gives me the opportunity to leave an impact on people’s lives in multiple ways. I plan to work in the operating room as an RNFA (registered nurse first assistant), then, later, as a travel nurse.