National Park College (NPC) Respiratory Therapy (RT) students Andrea Hasley and Kinley
Miller were recently awarded the Professional Achievement in Respiratory Care (PARC)
scholarship from the Lawrence Respiratory Foundation. The award is a $1,800 scholarship
established to support senior students in the Respiratory Therapy program.
Scholarship recipients are required to have a minimum 3.0 GPA, be a member of the
American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) and the Arkansas Society for Respiratory
Care (ASRC) and participate in an interview with scholarship board members.
Andrea Hasley, a native of Magnet Cove and a 2008 graduate of Magnet Cove High School,
has a personal connection to her chosen field. “I am pursuing a degree in Respiratory
Therapy because of my son, who was born prematurely and had some lung problems,” she
shared.
Hasley is the senior student advisor for the Respiratory Care Board and an active
Student Government Association member. She enjoys spending quality time with her children,
fishing, and relaxing at the lake in her spare time.
Reflecting on her journey, Hasley expressed her appreciation for NPC, “I chose National
Park College because it’s close to home, but most importantly, because everyone is
so friendly and willing to help you if needed. I love how everyone feels like family
at the College.” After she graduates from NPC in May 2025, she plans to work in her
home community of Hot Springs and continue her education, though she remains undecided
on which institution she will attend next.
Hasley credits NPC for its intimate learning environment and supportive staff, which
she believes will be instrumental in her future career. “The course here at NPC has
benefited me by being a small college where everyone knows everyone. Plus, the staff
members are so kind and want to instruct the students and make sure they understand
what they are learning,” she explained.
The scholarship has provided Hasley with much-needed financial relief. “To be awarded
this scholarship really does help me out. I am a single mom of two kids, and it’s
a struggle going to college to better yourself for you and your family,” she stated.
“I would like to thank the Lawrence Respiratory Foundation Scholarship from the bottom
of my heart for this award. Being selected was a complete shock and a true blessing.”
Kinley Miller, a Hot Springs native, explained why she chose NPC. “I knew of the quality
of education that I would receive. I have not met an instructor here who lets their
students slip through the cracks, meaninglessly struggle, or fail out without first
getting to the root of the problem and finding a solution,” said Miller.
Miller attended Lakeside High School but left in 2015 due to unforeseen health issues.
However, she earned her GED shortly after. Beyond the classroom, Miller enjoys reading,
painting, and engaging in do-it-yourself projects.
Looking ahead, Miller is on track to graduate in May of 2025 and has set her sights
on becoming an osteopathic doctor. She credits the NPC RT program for providing a
personalized educational experience. “The small classroom setting allows for more
one-on-one education and a personalized breakdown of information,” said Miller.
Her appreciation for NPC extends to its community atmosphere. “I love the fact that,
though it is developing, it still has a small-town feel that makes you feel a part
of something,” Miller explained.
“I am beyond honored to receive this scholarship. I feel indebted to those who have
gotten me to this place. I feel honored to just know that there are strangers who
have faith in students like me. It is because of these donors that I will put my very
last breath into making their contributions fruitful. I want to thank the donors from
the bottom of my heart and though they did award me, they are really supporting my
16-month-old son. He is the sole reason I have pursued this pathway, and their contribution
is lessening the financial burden that I have accrued doing so. I will always remember
those who made this feat less arduous,” stated Miller. “I am moved by the powerful
work that this foundation is doing. I have made a promise to myself that when I finish
school, I will return the favor by continuing the support for respiratory therapy
students.”
Paul Lowe, Respiratory Care Program Director, said, “I am very proud and excited these
two women won the Professional Achievement in Respiratory Care Scholarship from The
Lawrence Respiratory Foundation. They both exhibit the high levels of professionalism
and work ethic needed to win this prestigious award. Ms. Lawrence and her family have
lightened Ms. Hasley’s and Ms. Miller’s financial burden, which allows these young
women the ability to focus on the most important aspect of school: learning. The Lawrence
Respiratory Foundation’s generosity has inspired many to help others and give back
to the community.”
Gretchen Lawrence, Lawrence Respiratory Foundation president, shared her enthusiasm.
“It’s an absolute thrill. This is so much like the environment that I went to school
in and every time we interview students they talk about P-Low [Paul Lowe, RT program
director] and what a wonderful instructor he is, and about Jennifer Massey [Director
of Clinical Education] and the clinical program. So, I’m very excited for them. I
love to be a part of it, and there is nothing more fun than giving away money.”
Pictured left to right: Andrea Hasley, Gretchen Lawrence and Kinley Miller
