Dr. Tim Casper, Interim President | Madison Area Technical College
Dr. Tim Casper, Interim President | Madison Area Technical College
Callie Blackley, a nursing student at Madison College's Reedsburg campus, has been awarded a $2,000 scholarship through the annual Celebrate a Nurse 5K Run/Walk. This scholarship is funded by sponsors and participants who support the event.
Blackley began her career in nursing at the age of 16 as a certified nursing assistant. Her motivation in choosing this path was to make a positive impact on others. "I discovered how deep my love for working with people goes while getting to experience all the different ways I can help them while continuously learning, creating connections, and developing lifelong skills that'll help me navigate all kinds of situations," Blackley stated.
As a first-generation college student without family financial backing, Blackley emphasized the importance of this scholarship in her educational journey. "I had to create my own opportunities with the only thing that came free: hard work and knowledge," she said. "Luckily, my efforts didn't go unrecognized - many kind individuals and programs have helped me get this far, but affording the basic daily necessities of living while going to school full-time is becoming next to impossible, and I'd love nothing more than to go further with my career."
After completing her studies, Blackley plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) with the ultimate aim of becoming a psychiatric nurse practitioner. "This scholarship would help me tremendously in taking the next step toward my goals," Blackley remarked.
Linda Spencer, the Madison College-Reedsburg Campus Manager, noted that the annual Celebrate a Nurse 5K Run/Walk "highlights the importance of nursing and helps support students pursuing this vital profession."
The upcoming 2025 Celebrate a Nurse 5K Run/Walk is scheduled for Saturday, May 3, at 9:30 a.m. at the Madison College Reedsburg campus. Community members are encouraged to participate and support future nursing scholarships.
Madison College-Reedsburg offers a range of healthcare-focused programs, including certified nursing assistant and associate degree nursing, along with RN and EMT programs. Prospective students can apply for its nursing program during the fall and spring semesters.
Learn more about the opportunities available at Madison College-Reedsburg.
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