BASKING RIDGE, NJ (June 21, 2012) – The Board of Trustees of the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) of Somerset Hills has awarded its 2012 Nursing Scholarships to high school seniors Dayana Contreras of Dover, NJ and Adriana Shubeck of Chatham, NJ. Both students plan to pursue baccalaureate degrees in nursing and have received $1000 scholarships to help finance their education.

Dover High School honor student, Dayana Contreras, will be attending Caldwell College in Caldwell, NJ. Her interest in nursing is inspired by the care and compassion provided to her grandmother during her two year struggle with cancer. “I know she would be very proud of me knowing I want to help and care for others just as the nurses did for her,” said Contreras.

Adriana Shubeck, recent Villa Walsh Academy graduate, plans to attend Villanova University College of Nursing. Currently a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician with the Chatham Emergency Squad, Adriana’s passion for the profession began when she was a young child witnessing the remarkable spirit and care given by a homecare nurse to her brother during his battle with Leigh’s Syndrome. “Esther, who herself was a ‘visiting nurse,’ has inspired me to become a pediatric nurse,” Shubeck said.

“The VNA is proud to assist local students at the beginning of their journey towards a rewarding career in nursing and the healthcare profession,” said Ann Painter, President & CEO, VNA of Somerset Hills. “We congratulate these two individuals, and all the scholarship candidates, on their efforts and accomplishments during high school.”

Each year since 1991, the VNA has awarded college scholarships to high school seniors from Somerset or Morris County, planning to receive a degree in nursing. The scholarships are financed by proceeds from the VNA’s bi-annual Rummage Sale and other fundraising efforts.