Kylee Walters
Paulette Goerler
Southern State Community College (SSCC) Foundation has announced 54 students, including two from Clinton County, as recipients of the Sara M. Barrere Memorial Trust Scholarship for the 2023-24 academic year.
The Sara M. Barrere Memorial Trust Scholarship was established to honor Sara (Sally) Barrere, a lifelong philanthropist and generous donor to SSCC and other Highland County organizations for years before her death. Barrere loved to read and loved to travel. She thoughtfully considered her experience with health care providers as she battled Parkinson’s disease late in life. She was often assisted at home or in hospitals by Southern State-trained nurses. Upon her death, she generously established a trust to help Southern State students further their education.
The Clinton County students who have accepted the scholarship offer for the 2023-24 academic year are Lydia Kessler and Angela Sheppard.
To qualify for the scholarship, students must have a GPA of at least 3.0 and complete a short essay demonstrating how they have exhibited responsibility to self, family, school, and community, as well as qualities of honesty, dependability, punctuality, perseverance, and loyalty.
One of the recipients, Kylee Walters, a 2020 graduate of Hillsboro High School, has worked as a home health aide for several years with dementia and hospice patients and is pursuing her Practical Nursing Certificate and Associate of Science degree in Nursing. Her goal is to complete her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and then become either a nurse in Labor and Delivery or in Mental Health.
Walters has persevered and overcome many obstacles in her young life. “My experience at Southern State has been great,” Walters commented. “The instructors and advisors have been very helpful and encouraging. I am so grateful for the opportunity to receive the Barrere scholarship. My advice is not to give up on your dream no matter how long it takes.”
Another recipient, Paulette Goerler, obtained her GED later in life back in 1983, and is attending Southern State to obtain her Associate’s Degree, majoring in English. She is planning to graduate in May 2024 at 77 years old, while also working part-time.
“The graduation and wearing a cap and gown is so important to me because I didn’t get to do that in high school,” Goerler said. “I went to work when I was very young. With the encouragement from the people at SSCC, and the Sara Barrere scholarship I am doing this. And I can’t thank everyone enough.”
SSCC President Roades added, “Undoubtedly, Sally left a legacy that will forever influence and shape the lives of inspired learners, young and old. Kylee and Paulette, while at different stages of their life, both have a similar appreciation for philanthropists like Sally. I think Sally would be pleased if she were here to witness the transformation she is supporting.”
Southern State Community College Foundation donors provide many scholarship opportunities to SSCC students. These scholarships are coordinated to encourage students to pursue their academic careers at the college. Scholarships are available to both transfer students and those intending to pursue a degree leading to immediate employment.
To learn more about SSCC Foundation scholarship opportunities, please visit www.sscc.edu/financialaid/scholarships.shtml. For more information on the stewardship role of the SSCC Foundation, please visit www.sscc.edu/about/foundation.shtml.
