Dolores A. (McBride) Woodford Memorial Scholarship Awards Scholarships

Since energetic 83-year-old Dolores Woodford, who still worked part time as a nurse, lost a valiant battle to COVID-19 two years ago on April 7, 2020, twelve graduates from Southeastern Regional High School have been awarded scholarships in her memory. Thanks to the generosity of family and friends, two recipients from the SER Class of '24 will receive a check to help offset costs to pursue a nursing degree. All twelve recipients participated in programs for Medical Assisting or Nursing Assistant, displayed remarkable academic achievement including National Honour Society recognition or Dual Enrollment through Massasoit Community College, extracurricular activities, and service.

Dolores epitomized the passion and values of nursing during her amazing 60-year career, much of it in the Brockton area. A member of the Lemuel Shattuck School of Practical Nursing of the Class of 1958, Dolores moved to Brockton with her family where she spent 28 years at Good Samaritan Hospital, 5 ½ years at Signature Medical Center, and her last three years at Rheumatology Consultants. Dolores had tried retirement but decided it was not for her and returned joyfully to the profession that inspired her!

What was Dolores' connection to SER? Over the course of her years in nursing, Dolores treasured mentoring, and many nurses in the Brockton area today reaped the benefits of Dolores’ expertise and willingness to teach others. One year, nursing assistant students from Southeastern Regional High School needed to practice giving IVs: Dolores rolled up her sleeves and said, “Here, stick me; I’ll teach you how to do it.” Those students then invited her to speak at their graduation, an opportunity during which Dolores conveyed her passion to the next generation; most importantly, she described barriers of education she faced and encouraged them to hold dear every learning experience and that they too could achieve their goals.

Dolores experienced financial hardship on her journey to become a nurse and would love that a scholarship in her honor may ease that burden for future nursing students. Dolores held a special place in her heart for Southeastern Regional High School Nursing program; she mentored young adults in the program, was involved in creating some of the curriculum, and was honoured to speak at a graduation in the early 90’s. NPR honored Dolores' life in "Lives Remembered" feature: https://www.wgbh.org/news/loca...Contact lisajolicoeu@gmail.com Lisa Jolicoeur for more information.