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Celebrating Excellence at Dogwood Village: Employee Awarded Nursing Scholarship
- Dogwood Village
- Sep 19
- 3 min read
Shay Ragland Receives One of Only 20 Scholarships
(Orange, Virginia) – Shay Ragland, a CNA at Dogwood Village of Orange County, has been awarded this year’s Regirer Nursing Scholarship from the Commonwealth Long Term Care Foundation. Ms. Ragland plans to further her education with the goal of becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse.
In 2025, the Commonwealth Long Term Care Foundation granted 20 Regirer Nursing Scholarships to individuals working in long-term care facilities in Virginia. Each awardee will receive a grant to support their nursing education expenses. To qualify for the scholarship, recipients completed a detailed application, underwent a personal interview with a member of the foundation’s nurse scholarship committee, and pledged to work in a long-term care facility for one year following graduation.
“I was completely shocked to be picked out of 20 applicants in Virginia. I am so very blessed to have my Dogwood family and close friends with me on this journey so far. I want to continue this nursing journey here at Dogwood and show my girls that anything they put their minds to, they can accomplish!”
“The demand for nurses in long term care has never been greater. We are thrilled that we can offer the Regirer Nursing Scholarships to individuals who want to advance their skills to provide the skilled, quality care the residents of Virginia’s nursing and assisted living facilities deserve,” said Keith Hare, President and CEO of the Virginia Health Care Association and the Virginia Center for Assisted Living (VHCA-VCAL).
The scholarships are named for Walter and Maria Teresa Regirer, members and leaders of VHCA-VCAL who led efforts to improve access to long term care education for career professionals. The Regirer Nursing Scholarship Program is designed to promote and support quality of care and to enhance the educational level of nurses currently working in VHCA-VCAL member facilities.
Since 1970, Dogwood Village of Orange County has been a trusted provider of compassionate, personalized care for seniors. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and care with compassion, we offer a full continuum of services—from assisted living and rehabilitation to long-term care—all in a warm, welcoming environment where residents feel at home. What sets us apart is our commitment to dignity, independence, and meaningful connection. Through enriching programs, skilled care, and deep community ties, we help our residents thrive every day. At Dogwood Village, we’re more than a place of care—we’re a family.
About VHCA-VCAL and the Commonwealth Long Term Care Foundation
The Virginia Health Care Association and the Virginia Center for Assisted Living (VHCA-VCAL) is a member-driven organization dedicated to advocating for and representing the interests of over 360 Virginia nursing and assisted living facilities and the residents and patients they serve through the selfless efforts of dedicated care-giving staff. VHCA-VCAL is the Commonwealth’s largest association representing long term care. Visit www.vhca.org for more information
The Commonwealth Long Term Care Foundation is the 501c(3) tax-exempt organization affiliated with VHCA-VCAL. The Foundation supports the Regirer Nursing Scholarship program. Since the inception of the Commonwealth Long Term Care Foundation in 1997, it has awarded Regirer Nursing Scholarships totaling $980,725 to 633 scholarship recipients.
Congratulations, Shay! Your dedication and hard work have truly paid off. It's inspiring to see how you've overcome challenges and achieved your goals. Keep up the fantastic work, and continue striving for excellence in everything you do!
