Eileen Austin Neal Scholarship Awarded

The 5th annual Eileen Austin Neal, RN, nursing scholarship of $1,000 was awarded to Kaitlyn O’Neal, from Black River High School, to attend University of Vermont.

Eileen Austin Neal was a registered nurse at Springfield Hospital for 64 years, retiring in 2005. She was the first recipient of the hospital’s George F. Leland Community Health Award in 2003. In 2004, the hospital established the Eileen Austin Neal Sprit of Nursing Award, given to a staff nurse, in recognition of her many years of dedicated service.

Upon her death in February of 2006, at the request of Eileen’s family, Springfield Hospital Foundation also established a nursing scholarship fund in her name with the gifts received in her memory.

The 5th annual Eileen Austin Neal, RN, nursing scholarship of $1,000 was awarded to Kaitlyn O’Neal, from Black River High School, to attend University of Vermont. “Nursing is where I can make a difference in the lives of other,” O’Neal wrote in her application. The award was decided by nurse managers at the hospital.

“Springfield Hospital is a better place for Eileen having worked here,” says Larry Kraft, Foundation Director. “This scholarship continues her positive influence on both nursing and the community.”

Roger Neal, husband of the late Eileen Austin Neal, RN, presents scholarship award to Kaitlyn O’Neal at display honoring his wife in Springfield Hospital.

Springfield Hospital News -  8/26/2010