DEMOPOLIS &8212; Since 2005, the Bryan W. Whitfield Memorial Hospital Auxiliary has been awarding scholarships to local students on their way to college.

According to Brenda Parr, Auxiliary president, they first gave out two scholarships and have since doubled their scholarships each year. For the 2008 recipients, however, the Auxiliary voted to increase the amount of their six scholarships from $1,000 each to $1,500 each.

Parr said the cost of higher education &8212; which can include everything from tuition, books, fees and housing &8212; has steadily increased over the years, one reason motivating the group to increase the amounts. But that was not the only motive behind increasing the scholarship awards.

Another boon for the program is that the scholarships are a one-time gift that does not need to be paid back.

The Auxiliary initiated the scholarship program with the establishment of the Emmett and Carolyn Clinkscales Scholarship and the Carolyn S. (Betty) McCormick Scholarship. The only eligibility requirements for each scholarship are that the student must live in the Tombigbee Healthcare Authority service area &8212; Marengo, Sumter, Hale, Choctaw, Perry, Greene and Clarke counties &8212; and want to pursue an education in healthcare.

Parr said any individual who is a graduating high school senior or above may apply for the scholarships, and must show proof of residency in one of those counties.

The application deadline for the scholarships is March 1, 2008. Students can pick up an application from their guidance counselors at school or they stop by the hospital to pick up an application. They are also available online at www.bwwmh.com.

For more information, call the Volunteer Services Director at 334-287-2626.