Three area students pursuing careers in health care and related fields have received scholarships from the Tift Regional Medical Center (TRMC) Foundation.
The TRMC Foundation recently presented the fourth annual Terry Arthur Physician Assistant Scholarship to Julie Funk of Sycamore and awarded the 2026 Ilse Boyette Book Scholarship to Magdaleno Coronado and Kayden Daniels.
Funk recently graduated magna cum laude from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College with a concentration in biochemistry and pre-professional studies. This fall, she will attend Florida State University as one of 60 students selected for the university’s Physician Assistant Class of 2028.
“The Terry Arthur Physician Assistant Scholarship is funded through contributions from area physician assistants and honors Terry Arthur, Tifton’s first physician assistant and a founding member of the Georgia Association of Physician Assistant,” says Mandy Brooks, Executive Director of the TRMC Foundation.
Arthur graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1973 and joined Tifton Medical Clinic, now Southwell Medical Clinic. He currently works part time at the Tift Regional Heart and Vascular Center. Throughout his career, Arthur has helped train physician assistant students and mentor physician assistant graduates.
The TRMC Foundation, Henry Boyette and his family also presented the Ilse Boyette Book Scholarship to Coronado and Daniels. The scholarship was established in memory of Ilse Boyette and her passion for nursing and the medical profession.
Coronado is enrolled at Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, where he is pursuing a licensed practical nursing degree. He plans to continue his education and become a registered nurse. Coronado also works at Tift Regional Medical Center as a patient access specialist.
Daniels recently graduated from Tift County High School, where she completed the Veterinary Science and Allied Health pathways while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. She will attend the University of Georgia this fall to pursue a degree in animal health with the goal of becoming a veterinarian.
Each Ilse Boyette Book Scholarship recipient receives a $500 cash award to assist with book expenses at the educational institution of their choice. Funding is provided through the Ilse Boyette Memorial and proceeds from the Tour de Tifton, sponsored by the Tiftarea YMCA.
“Through these scholarship programs, the Foundation honors the legacies of local health care leaders while helping students take the next step toward careers that will serve patients, families and communities,” Brooks said. For more information about the scholarships or to support the TRMC Foundation, call 229-391-3310 or visit www.trmcf.com