Clow Scholarship Check Presented To Nursing Student

Kyle O’Connor, a student in the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Nursing, was recently presented with a scholarship check by Newtown VNA.

Kyle, now 20, is a 2010 graduate of Newtown High School. He graduated in the top ten percent of his class, and was told at the time that he had qualified for the $4,000 award from the VNA.

The Anna E. Clow Scholarship is one of two awarded annually by the local Visiting Nurse Association chapter to students entering a nursing program awarding an RN or BSN degree.

“My first two years at Penn have been challenging, busy, and an incredible experience,” said Kyle. “In addition to my studies, I am involved in several clubs and organizations that take up most of my time at Penn.”

Two of the clubs within the School of Nursing he has become involved with are MAN-UP (the Male Association of Nursing at the University of Pennsylvania) and SNAP (Student Nurses At Penn).

“Both actively educate and promote mental awareness, sex education and mindfulness-based stress reduction,” said Kyle.

A standout lacrosse player while he was in high school — Kyle was one of two Nighthawks selected to play in the 2010 East vs West Senior Lacrosse All-Star Game, he was named an Academic All American lacrosse player his senior year, and he received a pair of athletic scholarships upon graduation, among other notable achievements — Kyle has remained very active with the sport while at college.

“As I had played … since the seventh grade, I knew that I wanted to continue my love for the game so I joined the Penn Men’s Club lacrosse team,” he said. Penn’s team is ranked 19th in the country.

Last spring Kyle also joined Phi Delta Theta, a decision he says “has been the most impactful” one made since beginning college. He is living in the fraternity’s chapter house, and is serving as house manager and secretary.

“I am looking forward to the next two years, continuing my education at Penn with additional hours and exposure to the multitude of opportunities in nursing,” he said.

Four VNA Scholarships Available

Since 1972 the Newtown VNA has awarded more than $135,750 to graduating high school seniors who reside in Newtown and are entering the field of nursing.

Applications are now available for the four scholarship opportunities offered annually by The Newtown Visiting Nurse Association: The Newtown VNA Anna E. Clow Scholarship (details above); The Newtown VNA Scholarship, for a student entering a nursing program awarding an RN or BSN degree, in the amount of $4,000; The Janice B. VanSyckle Scholarship, for students entering a nursing program awarding a BSN degree, a $2,500 award; and The Mary M. Holian–Newtown VNA Scholarship, for returning students, in the amount of $4,000.

Applications for the first three scholarships are available at the Newtown High School Guidance/Career Center. They must be submitted by Monday, April 2, for consideration for this academic year.

Announcement of these three award winners will be made at the Newtown High School Senior Awards Night, which is scheduled for Wednesday, June 6. Scholarship monies will be awarded to the recipients when he or she has entered the clinical portion of the nursing program, at least into the second year of their nursing education.

The Mary M. Holian-Newtown VNA Scholarship is available to Newtown residents resuming or continuing their academic study in nursing. The $4,000 award is for those studying for their RN, BSN, MSN, APN or PhD in nursing. Applicants must be entering their second year of studies providing they have completed their first year within the last five years or have changed their college major to nursing and are entering their second year of training. For additional information and applications for the Mary M. Holian Scholarship contact Sally Schwerdtle, Scholarship Chairman c/o The Newtown VNA Scholarship Committee, Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main Street, Newtown CT 06470, or 203-268-833.