Press Release from Visiting Nurses of the Lower Valley

In honor of the late Judith McCann Heiser of Ivoryton, the Visiting Nurses of the Lower Valley (VNLV) have awarded their 2024 nursing scholarship to three local applicants. This year’s scholarship recipients are Loretta Cecchini and Jessica Stoetzle of Chester and Taylor Festa of Old Saybrook.

The VNLV sends special thanks to State Senator and Essex First Selectman Norm Needleman, as well as Jacqueline Hubbard, for their generous donation to this year’s scholarship fund. The scholarship was awarded based on academic achievement, extracurricular activities, and commitment toward pursuing nursing as a career.

Community healthcare is growing, and these talented individuals will meet the dynamic challenges which we are facing in the healthcare industry. VNLV is proud to recognize the achievements of these fine young individuals.

“It was important to us that the selected candidates this year have chosen to enter the field of nursing,” said Susan Maxwell, executive director of VNLV. “We are facing a nationwide shortage of nurses, and we would like to encourage students to continue their studies in this important field. We are pleased that we can support these worthy students in their nursing studies.

About Visiting Nurses of the Lower Valley

Visiting Nurses of the Lower Valley is a not-for-profit, Medicare- and Medicaid-certified home health care organization serving the Lower Connecticut River Valley and eastern shoreline region. For more information, visit www.visitingnurses.org or call 860-767-0186.