Nursing Student Receives ‘Great 100 Nurses’ Scholarship

Dec. 11, 2025 – Demitra White, a second-year nursing student at Richmond Community College, was recently awarded the Great 100 Nurses of North Carolina Scholarship. Knowing how hard White is working to become a nurse, the faculty in RichmondCC’s Nursing Department felt she was an excellent candidate for this scholarship.

“Demitra is a single mother, working a full-time job to pay out of pocket for her tuition and books. She is a diligent and collaborative team player who is passionate and dedicated to becoming a nurse. She participates in class activities and is a leader in the classroom setting. She is a role model among her peers,” said Dana Diaz, Director of Nursing at RichmondCC.

Diaz also described White as strong-willed, motivated, ambitious and goal-oriented.

“Demitra has a desire to use her education to make a meaningful impact. No doubt, she will thrive in whatever area of nursing she decides to work after graduating from RichmondCC,” Diaz said.

When White, of Laurinburg, first began the nursing program, she was working third shift seven days a week at Campbell Soup in Maxton.

“I made sure I was out of Campbell Soup’s parking lot by 8:15 a.m. so I could make it to class by 9 a.m. This was very hard for me to do, but all I thought about was the end goal,” White said. “I would pack my nursing uniform and other essentials, including washcloths, soap and deodorant, on Monday night, go to work, get off at 7:30 a.m., and change in the locker room after working all night.”

White was on a strict schedule when it came to balancing school and her job. During her first year, she was in class from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesdays.

“My nursing instructors knew about my job and my commitment to finishing the nursing program, and they made sure I was OK. They worried about me and my health more than my grades, and that speaks volume,” White said.

White said she has spent more time at school than at home, so the advisors and the nursing instructors have become like family to her.

“They have seen me tired, happy, emotional, and every time, their door has always been open. And those doors will still be open because I'm still on my journey,” she said.

White is currently doing her clinicals at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst in the Cardiac Specialty Unit. After she graduates in May 2026 and passes the NCLEX state licensing exam to become a registered nurse, White wants to work full time for FirstHealth in the Reid Heart Center.

While Whites journey has been challenging, she wants her story to be motivating to others and for others to know that RichmondCC’s nursing program has a welcoming culture.

“Don’t let my story discourage you but encourage you. Don’t look at your obstacles, but look toward your future with courage and integrity, and know God will place people in your path to help you succeed at RichmondCC,” White said.

For more information about the Associate Degree Nursing or the Practical Nursing program, call (910) 410-1700 or visit www.richmondcc.edu. There are many prerequisite classes to get into RichmondCC’s nursing programs, but there are classes you can take to get started this spring semester.