Health Focus of Southwest Virginia has awarded over $169,500 in scholarship funding for the 2008-09 academic year.

Individuals pursing education in medical professions are eligible for scholarship funding from the Roanoke-based non-profit organization. Scholarships are based primarily on financial need and potential for completing a health career program. The vast majority of funds are awarded to students attending Virginia schools.

In the Salem area: The following 13 students received scholarship funding totaling $9,400, enabling them to pursue a health career.

Faranak M. Sharifi, Jefferson College of Health Science

Jenna S. Trump, Carilion Medical Center

Catherine L. Welford, Edward Via VA College of Osteopathic Medicine

Jacob R. Sakiey, Virginia Western Community College

Alison M. Hester, Edward Via VA College of Osteopathic Medicine

Ashley L. Foster, Virginia Western Community College

Sarah M. Pigford, Virginia Western Community College

Allison G. Dingman, Virginia Western Community College

Carmen M. Carroll, ECPI Technical College

Samantha N. Milton, Virginia Western Community College

Kathryn H. Freaney, Virginia Western Community College

Carmen S. Parker, Jefferson College of Health Science

Cara B. Garrett, James Madison University

Application deadline for the 2009-10 academic year is May 15. Go to www.healthfocusswva.org for more information.

Annual Women's Ministry Spring Brunch on May 16

Christian Life International Church in Salem will have its Annual Women's Ministry Spring Brunch on May 16 at 10 a.m. at the Hotel Roanoke.

The featured speaker will be, Kathryn Nixon, wife of former Boston Red Sox player Trot Nixon, who played in the World Series winning game in 2004.

Tickets for the brunch are $7.

For more information, call Marie Mewald at 375-2999.

9 Salem residents graduate from Virginia Tech

Nine students from Salem graduated from Virginia Tech in the fall commencement in December.

They were:

Martin Asirifi received a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering degree in computer engineering from the College of Engineering.

Christi Byrd received a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from the College of Science.

Aaron Dalton received a Master of Science degree in geography from the College of Natural Resources..

Kevin Franklin received a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science from the College of Engineering.

Amber Kingery received a Bachelor of Science degree in apparel, housing, and resource management from the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences.

Kerry McBroom received a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry from the College of Science.

Shannon Murphy received a Bachelor of Science degree in apparel, housing, and resource management from the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences.

Amy Ratliff received a Bachelor of Science in Business degree summa cum laude in accounting and information systems from the Pamplin College of Business.

David Zimmerman received a Bachelor of Science in Business degree in finance from the Pamplin College of Business.