Inaugural Patsy S. McGowan Memorial Scholarship for surgical techs awarded!

The Southeast Health Foundation is pleased to announce Kayveunna McGee and Eva Byars are the 2025 recipients of the inaugural Patsy S. McGowan Memorial Scholarship for surgical techs.

Kayveunna is a 2018 graduate of Dothan High School and she is currently employed at Southeast Health Medical Center as a lab assistant. She is also enrolled in the Wallace Community College-Dothan Surgical Tech program.

“Pursuing a career in healthcare is more than a professional goal for me,” Kayveunna wrote in her scholarship application. “It is a calling grounded in compassion, curiosity and a desire to make a meaningful impact on peoples’ lives.”

Eva is a 2025 graduate of Carroll High School in Ozark. She received a full scholarship to begin the surgical tech program at Wallace Community College.

“Eva Byars is a resilient and determined young lady who has faced her share of challenges, but she never allowed them to define her,” was written in one of her application letters of support. “Instead, she continues to move forward with a strong sense of purpose, a willingness to learn, and a deep desire to make a difference in the lives of others through a career of healthcare.”

Amy Bunting, director of the Foundation said they are both very deserving recipients. “I am proud that the committee elected to not only award a full scholarship to Eva, but also providing Kayveunna a scholarship to finish the program.”

Patsy was a beloved member of the Medical Center Surgery department for 51 years, until her retirement on January 31, 2024. Sadly, she passed away on July 21, 2024

“Patsy touched many lives during her more than five decades in the Surgery department,” said Amy. “Our Foundation Employee Council wanted to create a lasting memory for her dedication to the Medical Center.”

To donate or find out more about the scholarship visit www.sehealthfoundation.org or call the Foundation at 334.673.4150.