Paris Masonic Lodge supports PJC nursing students
Published or Revised June 17, 2025
Attending the scholarship presentation were (from left) Paris Masonic Lodge Deputy Grand Master Timmy E. Lester, PJC Assistant Director of Nursing Brad Bolton, PJC Dean of Health Occupations Heather Unruh, Stephanie Harris, Katy Luera, past Masonic Lodge Master John Berquist, Erika Caplinger, Paris Masonic Lodge Chaplain and Scholarship Chair Bill Chipman, Javery Sims, and Bunbotumsocheat “Victoria” Kong.
The Paris Masonic Lodge showed appreciation for future nurses with five scholarship donations of $500 each on June 16, 2025. The recipients are Erika Caplinger of Brashear, Stepanie Harris of Paris, Bunbotumsocheat "Victoria" Kong of Cooper, Katy Luera of Quinlan, and Javery Sims of Paris. All are in the vocational nursing program at Paris Junior College.
The students are grateful for the assistance.
"I'm looking for anything that will help me," said Caplinger, "because it's just me and my husband on one income. I drive an hour to class, and it's a lot of stress. Any help gives us a little freedom, a sense of independence, and not having to rely on others too much."
Harris agrees. She had to quit her full time job to attend nursing school.
"This will help me with my family," Harris said. "We have two children and it's helping us a lot and we appreciate it."
PJC faculty know how stress can affect a student's education.
"Our student population is very diverse," said Brad Bolton, Assistant Director of Nursing, "many have families and must work, and any assistance goes a long way. Sometimes it can be the difference for students continuing their education. We appreciate the support of the Paris Masonic Lodge; it contributes to student success."
Three Masonic Lodge members came for the check presentation, Bill Chipman, Paris Masonic Lodge past Master and current Chaplain and Scholarship Committee Chair, Timmy E. Lester, Paris Masonic Lodge District Deputy Grand Master, and John Berquist. Though not a member of Paris Masonic Lodge, he is a past Master and past District Deputy Grand Master, District 2.
"This is great," said Bill Chipman, Paris Masonic Lodge past Master and current Chaplain and Scholarship Committee Chair. "I've always supported the nursing school and education. We need them, and in my condition I really need them!"
Berquist has advice for anyone thinking of going to college.
"Apply for any and every scholarship that you come to," Berquist said. "Research them and apply."
Those interested in learning more about the nursing programs at Paris Junior College may email Bolton at bbolton@parisjc.edu.