Creative Writing Awards Winner - 2011
Class of 2011
Each year since 1994, we have used this opportunity to honor the memory of Mrs. Bellos by recognizing a student who has made outstanding contributions to the New Haven community in the delivery of health care or in volunteering their time in other outreach efforts. YSN students become leaders in nursing by excelling in their studies and clinical work, and their leadership skills are further honed through their involvement in the community. Over the years, our students have helped develop and have taken part in numerous area outreach programs that have enriched the lives of individuals and families in Greater New Haven.
Despite a heavy academic workload in the Graduate Entry Prespecialty in Nursing program, this student has contributed a great deal to the Yale University, and New Haven communities. She was instrumental in the development of RHEA (Reproductive Health Education and Advocacy) which works with local agencies to develop and support reproductive health services, and has assumed a leadership role with the Student Diversity and Action Committee (SDAC) whose mission is to increase awareness and encourage discussion of health care issues surrounding diversity, and most importantly, to build and nurture relations between the student body and the surrounding communities in and around New Haven.
She has participated in community activities at YSN and in New Haven providing educational programs to families, and helping to organize and implement a YSN-sponsored holiday party and gift drive for 51 children and their families from the Church Street South Housing Development, directly across the street. She is also responsible for developing a curriculum for use by the Healthy Start Program, and Polly T. McCabe Center, school for pregnant teens.
The following statement was made in support of her nomination for this award:
“I have been impressed with her commitment to changing health care for the most vulnerable of women. This has been demonstrated in ‘hands on’ health care, development of educational strategies to put tools into women’s hands, working to encourage disadvantaged students to go into the health professions, and continuing, non-stop advocacy work. She is going to make a difference in the future of health care!”
For her compassion, deep commitment and significant contributions to her community, the Yale University School of Nursing is proud to present the 2011 Community Service Award to Morgan Schopen.