Burbine awarded Gifford
Medical Staff Scholarship
RANDOLPH, June 20, 2008 – Heather Burbine of South Royalton is the recipient of the second annual Gifford Medical Staff Scholarship.
Burbine, who received the $1,500 scholarship along with six other awards at graduation from South Royalton High School on June 14, will pursue an occupational therapy degree at University of New England in Biddeford, Maine, this fall. The program runs five-and-a-half years and will end with Burbine receiving her master’s degree.
“I wanted to do physical therapy, but then I shadowed an occupational therapist, and I found that was more fitting. I’d really like to work with kids, so this is something I could do in a school,” Burbine says of how she chose occupational therapy as a career goal.
The Gifford Medical Staff began offering a scholarship last year just for students pursuing health careers.
“I’m so thankful,” Burbine said of receiving the award. “It really helps a lot.”
Dr. Kevin McNamara, a Gifford podiatrist and Medical Staff president, said Burbine was a top choice among all selection committee members and was recognized for both her academic standing and standout personality.
The daughter of Melissa and Bruce of South Royalton, Burbine was ranked fourth in her class, played varsity soccer, ran track, previously played basketball, is an avid skier and served on the Student Counsel, in Student Government and led the school’s innovative Restorative Justice panel that offers a secondary disciplinary option for students.
McNamara called Burbine “a bright, well-rounded young woman with a wonderful future” ahead of her.