The Margaret Jean Sahr Memorial Nursing Scholarship is open to students who have children and are enrolled in the nursing program at Hocking College and maintain a minimum 3.0 grade point average.
Margaret Jean Sahr (Peg) had her first child at 19 years of age on November 11, 1955 and her last child a day after her 37th birthday, August 1, 1973. Between those years she bore 10 other children. Needless to say she was a busy person and a very hard worker but she still found time to volunteer at her children’s school and church in a variety of capacities, such as a Cub Scout den mother and a member of Saint Ann’s Hospital guild to name a few. Mostly, she was devoted wife and mother.
After her youngest started school she embarked on the journey to pursue her dream of being a nurse by attending Hocking College. It began by driving an hour one way every night for 6 months to attend classes to brush up on math and earn a nurse’s aid certificate. Soon after, she started at Hocking College while working nights as a nurse’s aid at Berger Hospital in Circleville, Ohio. Once again driving an hour one way after her shift to take classes. Not to mention having a houseful of kids still at home and keeping up with the demands of her family!
In 1982 she graduated as an LPN from Hocking College. All 12 children, among other family members, were present at the graduation ceremony. When she was given the Joyce Smith award it was among her proudest moments. Following graduation she continued employment at Berger Hospital as an LPN. Comments from her patients reflected what those who knew her already knew, that she was a kind, compassionate and loving woman.
Tragically she passed away June 12, 1989 at the age of 52 from complications related to encephalitis. Probably the saddest thing resulting from her untimely passing was not being able to enjoy her 34 subsequent grandchildren however, she was blessed with 5 before her death.
It is her family’s hope that this scholarship will inspire the recipient of with the memory of an amazing woman and mother who persevered through many hardships to follow her lifelong dream of becoming a nurse.
To donate to this scholarship, click here.