LEWISTON — The Maine College of Health Professions has announced the recipients of the spring 2019 Thomas J. McMahon Scholarship.

This honor was made possible by the generosity of the Lewiston High School Class of 1967, who donated scholarship funds to memorialize their classmate and Medal of Honor recipient Thomas J. McMahon.

The recipients and their field of study includes: Jamie Burnell, of Lewiston, Associate of Science in Nursing; Jennifer Deschenes, of Greene, Registered Nurse, Bachelor of Science in Nursing; Denise Kennedy, of Rangeley, AS Nursing; Danielle Paus, of Phippsburg, AS Nursing; Katelyn Picard, of Winthrop, AS Nursing; and Tracey Ross, of New Gloucester, AS Nursing, all of whom have military ties.

According to the release, McMahon joined the United States Army in 1967, and served as a combat medic in Vietnam. On March 19, 1969, McMahon lost his life in service to his country as he attempted to rescue three wounded soldiers amid heavy enemy fire. Two soldiers survived because of his efforts.

“We are humbled and tremendously grateful for the Class of ’67’s decision to support our students,” said Dr. Monika Bissell, president of MCHP, according to the release “We had the opportunity to meet with representatives from the class, as well as with Mr. McMahon’s brother, Mike. Their relentless dedication to keeping Tom’s memory alive is inspiring. This gift means a great deal to us and to our deserving students, as it commemorates a local health professions hero. We simply can’t thank them enough.”

The mission of the Maine College of Health Professions is to enrich lives through providing outstanding education in the health professions, inspiring student success and lifelong learning.

To learn more, visit mchp.edu.


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