SPOTLIGHT on Scholarship Alumni

DEVIN KADIS: 2017 Dr. Diters Legacy Scholarship Alum
Former Groups & Military Program Supervisor at the National Ability Center & Current PHD Graduate Student 

Devin began pursuing her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in June/2024 at Tufts Medical School. “I aspire to help create a program that both rehabilitates veterans with disabilities and helps feed into a better healthcare system for them.” Prior to entering the doctorate program, Devin was the Groups & Military Program Supervisor at the National Ability Center, Park City, Utah. She worked with US Military Veterans with physical disabilities, PTSD and MST, providing recreational therapy to people of all abilities, whether that be physical, cognitive, and intellectual,  from all over the country. CCHF can’t wait to see how Devin continues to change the future for this country’s veterans.

Dr. NANCY MACLAURIN: 1990 Dr. Diters Legacy Scholarship Alum
Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Duke University School of Medicine 

In June/1990, the first Dr. Diters Legacy Scholarship was awarded to Canton High School senior Nancy A. MacLaurin.”I was sure in High School that I would go into medicine. I really liked science classes, particularly biology. Once I got to college, I decided I didn’t like research as much as I liked clinical work and that was reinforced in graduate school. I was really drawn to this field during medical school, but it was during my rotations in Obstetrics that made my decision.” CCHF salutes Dr. MacLaurin for making a difference in people’s Health, Safety and Well-Being every day.

AMANDA MAY: 2024/2025 Pay It Forward Scholar
University of Boston Junior & Author

Mandy continues to earn high honors as a Junior at University of Massachusetts/Boston, with the goal of earning a BA in Psychology, and ultimately a PhD in clinical psychology, specializing in children’s mental health. While continuing to volunteer in the community, Mandy’s focus on hard work, building self-confidence and excellence has set an example not only for her fellow students, but perhaps more important for those individuals who find special challenges in their own academic journeys. In this way, Mandy’s already paying it forward. “I’ve been given the freedom to learn in the way that works best for me. This process ultimately gives me an understanding of myself as a whole. And, it is an ongoing process.” CCHF continues to celebrate Mandy’s creative, educational & personal journeys.

“Films Depictions of Mental Health. “As long as we are consciously aware of how certain messages or depictions may impact our way of thinking, we can utilize that knowledge to reshape our minds and maintain a healthy and accepting point of view on mental health.” Read the paper at: https://blogs.umb.edu/undercurrents/2024/08/24/films-depictions-of-mental-illness/

LAURAINE NICHOLLS: 2024 Pay It Forward Scholar
2025 Graduate: Associate of Science in Nursing at Northwestern CT Community College

While working part-time as a Patient Care Coordinator & without any previous medical or clinical experience, Lauraine pursued her passion for nursing by attending Microbiology, Anatomy & Physiology II and Financial Accounting courses – all in the same semester & on the Dean’s List. CCHF congratulates Lauraine on achieving her Associate of Science in Nursing. We’re especially proud that Lauraine is one of the first Pay It Forward Scholars to graduate!