McComb High School senior, Matthew Newcomer, is the 2011 recipient of the Barbara Fleming Memorial Nursing Scholarship. Newcomer will attend Bowling Green State University in the fall where he will work toward a B.S. in Nursing.

Newcomer is the valedictorian of his class and is actively involved in school, church and community events.

One of his teachers said, "It is evident that Matt is committed to helping people in his community. It is simply a staple part of his character." !

Newcomer acknowledges that nursing is a female-dominated field, but his self-awareness of his strengths and interests has allowed him to pursue this profession with confidence.

Pat Emery, Director of Nursing at Mennonite Memorial Home (MMH), has been very pleased with the male nurses and nurses assistants that serve MMH residents.

"Male nurses can bring a different perspective and they demonstrate that a compassionate and nurturing spirit is not reserved for women," Emery says. "The residents very much appreciate their gifts and personality," she added. While male residents make up only 21% of total residents at MMH, having men on staff helps provide well-rounded care for the elders.

Ben Selhorst, one of the male nurses on staff, chose nursing because of the direct care and hands-on assistance he is able to provide the residents. While he started in pharmacy, he thoroughly enjoys brightening elders' days with his smile and positive attitude.

Newcomer is the 11th recipient to receive a $500 scholarship made possible by the late Mrs. Fleming's daughter and husband, Carolyn (also a nurse) and Don Beitz. Mrs. Fleming, an MMH resident from 1997-2000, was trained as a nurse and throughout her life exhibited the caring nature that characterizes the profession.

When the scholarship was established in 2002, Carolyn said, "I want to encourage the development of nurses. I know how my mother cared for people through her training as a nurse. I have enjoyed my career as a nurse, and I have seen the caring nurses at Mennonite Memorial Home. Now, through this scholarship, I can memorialize my mother and encourage the pursuit of nursing as a career."

Ten years later, the dividends from the original investment continue to support the education of individuals pursuing a degree in nursing. The annual deadline to apply for the scholarship is March 31.

The Barbara Fleming Memorial Nursing Scholarship is one of several ways Mennonite Home Communities serves the broader community.

MHCO also has an Endowment Fund that generates income to support the benevolent needs of eligible skilled nursing residents.

Persons interested in making a gift like the Fleming scholarship may contact Doug Luginbill at 419-358-1015 or e-mail [email protected].