Several local students are closer to the career of their dreams thanks to the generosity of a local businessman and his family.
The Dr. Prem Reddy Family Foundation, founded by Prime Healthcare CEO Dr. Prem Reddy and his family in 1994, awarded $57,000 in academic scholarships to 45 local students during a recent awards ceremony held at the Spring Valley Lake Country Club.
The scholarship program, open to all High Desert residents enrolled in accredited health care or medical-related degree program was created to reward students who have achieved academic excellence while being involved in school and community services.
Community involvement was key, according to award winner Zackery Moroste. The 22-year-old Apple Valley native is currently enrolled in California Baptist University’s nursing program and aims to become a nurse anesthetist.
Moroste touched on his chaotic childhood growing up with a drug-addicted parent, and how childhood illness and support from his community inspired him to enter the world of medicine.
“I’d get sick a lot and end up in the hospital, and became fascinated with medicine,” Moroste said. “And because I’d get sick so much, I received so much support from my local community. It inspired me to go for my career and want to give back.”
Moroste’s story, and the stories of all recipients, were expanded on by Dr. Prem Reddy’s daughter and foundation founder Dr. Kavitha Reddy Bhatia, who drew parallels between the recipients’ lives and her own family’s journey.
From premature-born twins turned into budding pediatricians, to the single mother of five reaching out to other single mothers while pursuing her own goals, the recipients all embodied the foundation’s focus on giving opportunities to those giving back to their communities.
“Winston Churchill said, ‘You make a living by what you get, but you make a life by what you give,’” guest speaker Dr. John Morris said, addressing students directly. “Finish your training programs and go out there and do something great.”
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