The 2016 Dr. Prem Reddy Family Foundation Scholarship Dinner was again a great success, providing $74,750 to 50 students from the High Desert area of California. For the past ten years, Dr. Reddy and his family have awarded nearly $1 million to students pursuing a career in healthcare. Scholarship amounts ranged from $500 to $4,000, and the awards ceremony and dinner were held at the Spring Valley Lake Country Club.

Dr. Kavitha Bhatia (Reddy) attended, representing her family and congratulating the students. Dr. Bhatia personally read every scholarship application during the review process and along with her family, is extremely passionate about supporting healthcare education. "It is an honor to be a small part of a long and rewarding journey in healthcare for these remarkable students," said Dr. Kavitha Bhatia. "Their stories and accomplishments are inspirational and these scholarships so well deserved. We hope to encourage their continued dedication to do great things in the service of others through their futures in medicine."

Dr. Bhatia's parents, Dr. Prem Reddy and Dr. Venkamma Reddy, came from a rural area of India, growing up with no electricity and uncertainty surrounding access to education. They believe that everyone should have the ability to obtain a quality education and strive to support those who have a dream of providing medical care in their community.

Recipient Jeremy Whalen spoke, sharing his story and struggles of studying to become an RN while also a single parent. Students lined up to thank Dr. Bhatia for her family's generosity and support.

Photos: Jeremy Whalen (recipient) and guest, scholarship recipients with Fred Hunter, CEO of Desert Valley Hospital, Kavitha Bhatia and Rosanne Weathers, of Desert Valley Hospital