Marion Chamber announces Jana Blackford Memorial Scholarship

Marion Chamber announces Jana Blackford Memorial Scholarship

Foundation will award funds to aspiring medical professionals in honor of teacher

news@theeveningtimes.com

A long-time Marion high school teacher is being honored with a memorial scholarship in her name.

The Marion Chamber of Commerce Foundation has set up a $25,000 scholarship in recognition of Jana Blackford.

Blackford, who died unexpectedly in March, taught medical professional education for 13 years at Marion High School.

“She taught over 1,800 students in the program and exposed them to the medical profession,” said Tracy Brick, Marion Chamber of Commerce director of member services and events.

Brick said the Chamber of Commerce received an anonymous donation to its charitable foundation to help fund the scholarship.

The scholarship will be administered by the foundation and awarded to graduating seniors who plan to enroll in a two year or four year program in the medical field.

“What we will do is award one scholarship to a student at each of the county’s four high schools,” Brick said.

“We’re still working on the guidelines, but it will be no less than $500 and could be as much as $1,000.”

The Chamber announced the scholarship Monday to the junior class at Marion High which will be the first class eligible for the scholarship.

“I think the kids were excited,” Brick said. “A lot of them knew her and were in her classes.”

Brick said that anyone wishing to donate to the scholarship can send contributions to the Marion Chamber of Commerce.

The Marion Chamber Foundation is a non-profit

501(c)3 and all donations are tax deductible. “This is our first project,” Brick said.

By Mark Randall