JCC Nursing Student Receives $2,500 PTK Scholarship

Published: November 10, 2014

Dawn Simone, a nursing student at Johnston Community College, has been selected as a Phi Theta Kappa 2014 Frank Lanza Scholar. Simone of Wendell is one of 20 students to be selected for the national, prestigious honor.

Frank Lanza Scholars are awarded $2,500 scholarships to facilitate completion of associate degrees in nursing, respiratory care, or emergency medical services.

At JCC, Simone is a member of PTK, the Johnston Community Association of Nursing Students, and the Psychology Club. She also enjoys mentoring other nursing students. A first generation college student, Simone said her experience at JCC has made a positive impression on her daughter and two sons. Her 18-year-old daughter is now a JCC student as well.

"This really comes at a fantastic time, and I'm so grateful for this award," Simone, a second year nursing student said. "My experience at JCC has been great. I've always liked school and I've had really good instructors here at JCC."

After she graduates next May with her associate's degree, Simone hopes to begin working in a local hospital. She is also interested in transferring to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington to pursue her bachelor's degree in nursing.

Peggy Woods, a JCC nursing instructor, said Simone is a hardworking student who goes the extra mile to help others.

"Dawn is a phenomenal student in many ways," Woods said. "She is a class leader, she eagerly mentors the first-level students and she possesses compassionate and competent care at the bedside. She will no doubt be a future leader in nursing."