The National Park College (NPC) Foundation announced Melina Romero-Martinez, Alyssa
Hall and Kinzy Pasley as recipients of the 2021 Van Davis Memorial Scholarship. They are each completing their
Associate of Science degree in nursing.
Romero-Martinez is the first in her family to complete high school and obtain college
credits. While in high school, she enrolled in the National Park Technology Center
Medical Professions program where she found interest in the human body. She chose
to attend college at NPC because of the quality of the nursing program, the environment
that NPC offers, and because the College is close to her family and home. After graduation,
Romero-Martinez plans to attend the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and
go on to work as a pediatric nurse practitioner in a neonatal intensive care unit.
“This scholarship means a lot. It means someone is investing and my future, which
makes it easier to focus on my academics. I am really grateful to the donors and to
the people that selected me for this scholarship,” said Romero-Martinez.
Hall watched many family members struggle financially throughout her life. Watching
this was her inspiration for furthering her education, and she wants to build a better
future for herself. She chose NPC because it is close to home. She also enjoys the
small-town college atmosphere, which she said creates bonds between the professors
and students. After graduation, she plans to obtain her Bachelor of Science in nursing
online.
NPC registered nursing program director Janet Smith said, “Alyssa is a second-semester
student in the nursing program at National Park College and will graduate in May 2022.
In the classroom, she is attentive and interactive with her classmates and faculty.
Alyssa shows eagerness, initiative and demonstrates critical thinking in the clinical
setting. She is caring toward her patients and has received praise from them on her
care and comfort she provides.”
“For me, this scholarship helps a lot. What is not covered by scholarships, I am currently
paying out of pocket, so it helps me to be able to afford college, especially this
year,” said Hall.
Pasley has wanted to go into the medical field since she was a child. She said NPC
was the perfect choice for her because it is close to home, it is not financially
burdensome, and it has one of the best nursing schools in the area.
“This scholarship means a lot to me. It proves that people want to help me further
my education and achieve my goals. Thank you,” said Pasley.
“With Kinzy’s efforts and talent, she is going to be successful in whatever she chooses
to do,” stated Chuck Argo, social science and math science division chair.
The Van Davis Scholarship is a competitive scholarship that is awarded to a first-generation
college student with a cumulative GPA between 2.0 and 3.5. Students are required to
complete an essay, which is reviewed by the Faculty Senate Scholarship Selection Committee.
The scholarship was created to continue the legacy established by Dr. Van Davis. Dr.
Davis was an esteemed member of the NPC faculty and Chair of the Social Sciences Division,
teaching students for nearly 38 years and inspiring them to use their drive, passion,
humor and intellect to succeed at earning college degrees. He cared for his students
deeply and shared joy in their successes as scholars and human beings. He often provided
personal scholarships to individuals in need, many of whom were first-generation college
students.
The scholarship was endowed with proceeds from the Annual Van Davis Memorial 5K Run/Walk.
Proceeds from the race are now used for student success initiatives at NPC.
This year’s event was scheduled for February 13, but has been rescheduled for October
9 at 8:00 a.m. at NPC. Registration information can be found at www.np.edu/VanDavis5K.
