STEPHENVILLE (August 2, 2017) — Jacey Smathers’ family turned its tragedy into a positive for students in Tarleton State University’s nursing program.
Smathers, a Tarleton nursing student, died from carbon monoxide poisoning early this year. An endowed scholarship in her name was created to help like-minded students.
“She loved being a nurse and having the opportunity to help people,” said her mother, Cheryl Baca. “She loved Tarleton so much. She was looking so forward to getting into a hospital setting, doing her clinicals.”
Baca signed paperwork Tuesday to endow the scholarship.
To qualify for the Jacey Smathers Memorial Endowed Scholarship, a nursing student must have completed coursework and advanced to the Senior 1 or Senior 2 level, maintain a 3.0 grade-point average and be a full-time student in good standing.
Additionally, candidates must have a passion for helping others and a positive impact on the Tarleton nursing department.
Endowment of the scholarship is currently $12,490, with $500 to be awarded each year beginning in fall 2018. To contribute to the Jacey Smathers Memorial Endowed Scholarship, go to www.tarleton.edu/giving.
“This scholarship gives us the chance to keep Jacey’s dream of becoming a nurse alive by helping other students fulfill their own educational and career goals,” Baca said.
Hello, my condolesence goes to family of jacey and i would like to get the scholarship in order to achieve the dreams of jacey.
Jacey’s dad, Rick Smathers, is standing behind Dr. Dottavio along with his wife, Jodye Smathers.