RUMFORD — The Peg Blouin Nursing Scholarship was established in 2009 upon Blouin’s retirement, after 42 years as a registered nurse at Rumford Hospital. Having been a recipient of the Auxiliary scholarship, which enabled her to earn her nursing diploma, Blouin expressed a wish to give back to her community through this scholarship.

The annual award is $1,250 to a basic nursing student, not one studying for an advanced degree or specialization, after that student completes a successful first semester. The recipient is chosen by a Rumford Hospital nursing panel comprising the director of nursing, the nurse manager of med/surg and the nurse manager of the emergency department. The award is based on merit and need.

Applications are open to students who have been accepted into either an associate or bachelor’s nursing program. These students must live within Rumford Hospital’s coverage area.

The award is made after the recipient demonstrates a successful first semester by submitting a transcript. Should the recipient not complete a semester, the award is forfeited and no award is given in that year. If the scholarship recipient does not successfully complete the nursing program, the scholarship money must be returned to the scholarship fund.

To obtain an application form students may call Rumford Hospital Patient Registration at 369-1000 or visit the reception desk in the hospital lobby between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Applications must be returned to Jane Aube, DON, at Rumford Hospital, postmarked no later than Sept. 28.