Gribler Loving Trust Scholarships awarded to OCCC nursing students

NEWPORT, Ore. – Four Lincoln County nursing students are this year’s recipients of the Gribler Loving Trust Nursing Scholarship from the Pacific Communities Health District Foundation.

Heather Swinney was awarded $3,000 toward her education, while Darby Davis, Leslie Melo Lira and Kailee Young each received $2,000.

“I am so impressed with each recipient and feel certain that each one will make the most of their scholarship and pay it forward in spades as registered nurses in Lincoln County,” said Karla Clem, PCHD Foundation executive director, who announced the scholarship recipients.

As part of the application process, each student submitted short autobiographies addressing their commitment, background, work ethic and desire to become a nurse.

Heather Swinney: This is her second year to receive a $3,000 Gribler Loving Trust Scholarship. She will graduate from Oregon Coast Community College in 2026.

“Working as an emergency room technician, I am gaining invaluable hands-on experience. I am reminded of the goals I am working to achieve because of the impactful contribution I see the nurses make by providing compassionate, skilled care while advocating for patients’ needs. I am constantly inspired by the nurses I work with,” she said.

Darby Davis: Her desire to become a nurse began when she cared for her father during his battle with cancer.

She said: “Being by his side showed me the value of compassionate, skilled nursing and inspired me to follow that path. As a lifelong resident of Lincoln County, I am committed to serving this community as a health care professional,” adding that she considers it a calling to care for others in their vulnerable moments.

Leslie Melo Lira: From a young age, she knew she wanted a career that would allow her to help others in a meaningful way.

“As a bilingual certified nursing assistant, I’ve worked closely with patients from diverse backgrounds, many of whom feel more comfortable when I speak to them in their native language. This connection has deepened my passion for nursing and strengthened my commitment to becoming a registered nurse. I understand the value of hard work and I’m determined to make a difference, not only for my patients, but for my community,” she said.

Kailee Young: A second-year nursing student, she has found Lincoln County to be a place where people genuinely care for one another, and where health care workers play a crucial role in supporting families, friends and neighbors.

That fuels Kailee’s desire around “delivering empathic, evidence-based, culturally aware care and helping patients feel educated and empowered in managing their health. My goal is to treat each patient as a whole person, ensuring they feel seen and heard while in my care,” she said.

About the scholarship: The scholarship is named for Olga and Bill Gribler, who were active in the Newport community beginning in 1947. The Griblers established this generous scholarship with the Pacific Communities Health District Foundation to address the ongoing need for quality nurses in this rural area. To date, the foundation has awarded more than $99,500 in Gribler scholarships to 35 students, including this year’s recipients.

For information about the foundation, visit samhealth.org/giving.