CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital Awards $10k in Scholarships to Local Students

February 22, 2023

Tyler, Texas - Five area high school seniors were honored with scholarships totaling $10,000, as part of the 2023 'Women with Heart' scholarship contest during a ceremony at CHRISTUS Trinity Mother Frances Louis and Peaches Owen Heart Hospital.

Students were tasked with creating and submitting a video that focused on American Heart Month, with the aim of building awareness of heart disease, specifically for women.

Bullard High School's Caitlyn Malone was the winner, earning the $5,000 grand prize.

"I was so happy to find out I was the winner," Malone said. "For the community to choose me as the winner, I was so excited and cannot thank everyone enough."

Quitman High School's Kameran Farnham and Millie McGehee from All Saints Episcopal School finished second and third, respectively.

They will receive $2,500 and $1,500, respectively, for their efforts.

"We wanted them to learn about heart health and specifically the impact heart disease has on women," said Deb Chelette, regional vice president, cardiovascular services. "They all had such great submissions that showed they took the time to learn about heart disease and, hopefully, gain some valuable knowledge."

The remaining finalists, Lindale High School's Hunter Blankenship and Bullard High School's Alexis Newburn, each received $500.

As for Malone, she says she plans to use the scholarship to support her goal of becoming a doctor.

"I am so thankful that CHRISTUS does this, it is such a great opportunity for the community," she said. "It is such an amazing opportunity, and I am so thankful to benefit from it."