East Texas students get $10,000 in Women with Heart scholarships

TYLER, Texas (KETK) – The CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital has given away a total of $10,000 as a part of their Women with Heart Scholarship contest.

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Over 70 students submitted videos about American Heart Month from across East Texas to spread awareness of woman’s heart disease.

Homeschooler Alyssa Strickland won the contest and earned the $5,000 top 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.”

Strickland said that she wants to use the scholarship to support her future nursing career.

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

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Ashlynn Blankenship and Kayla McCoy from Lindale High School came in second and third, winning $2,500 and $1,500 respectively.

“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.”

Elizabeth Kuhlmann and Nicole Hines were both finalists so they got $500 each from the contest.

To learn more visit CHRITUS Health’s Women with Heart page online.

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