The Doctors Hospital Auxiliary has again distributed more than $20,000 in college scholarships to area students who are at least beginning their third year toward becoming medical professionals.

The scholarships were handed out to nine students Wednesday at the end of their summer break at a formal “Meet and Greet” in the hospital conference room on East North Street at Cottage Avenue.

The funds for the scholarships came from the net profit of the Auxiliary’s gift shop located just off the main lobby at the front of the hospital. It is a project its members have maintained since the opening of the hospital in 1962.

Additional monies were realized when the volunteers decided to offer See’s Candies for sale within their gift shop bringing in more shoppers during the Valentine and Easter holidays.

The candy sales were swift, volunteers said, when members of the community realized they didn’t have to drive to Modesto or Stockton to buy their gifts.  Gift shop sales dropped in 2008 when the economy dipped and profits were down that limited the amount of funds available to be given to area students. Auxiliary President Johnette said this week that she is thrilled that business is up and they are able to give more in scholarships.

Those receiving the scholarships included Marissa Clawson, Alfredo Lopez, Melissa Cummins, Emily Brandt, Kaylie Colyn, Kara Hall, Amandip Singh, Gagandip Singh and Jonathan Vander Molen.

Marissa Clawson said she plans to go into the field of Health Care Administration as is Amandip Singh whose twin sister  Gagandip is on track to becoming a Thoracic Surgeon.

Jonathan Vander Molen and Alfredo Lopez both want to become medical doctors.  Melissa Cummins has her sights on becoming a flight medic.

Kaylie Colyin is focusing on Nursing and Kara Hall is looking at the field of Physical Therapy.  Emily Brandt is going to become a Veterinary Technician.

To contact Glenn Kahl, email gkahl@mantecabulletin.com.