Boone McCrary, RN Memorial Scholarship

Applications open

Now accepting applications through July 1, 2026.

Nursing scholarship near you

Are you working a job but dreaming of a career with purpose — just like Boone McCrary did? The Boone McCrary, RN Memorial Scholarship provides full financial support for an Associate Degree in Nursing, covering tuition, school-related expenses and an additional stipend. If recipients receive other scholarships or grants, this scholarship will cover the remaining eligible costs not funded by those awards.

The post-graduation work commitment to Ballad Health is based on the amount funded through the Boone McCrary Scholarship.

Who was Boone McCrary?

Boone McCrary was more than a nurse — he was a hero. As a dedicated caregiver at Greeneville Community Hospital, Boone lived a life of service. He tragically lost his life during Hurricane Helene while attempting to rescue a civilian from dangerous floodwaters. In a boat with his dog, Boone made a final act of compassion that speaks to the very heart of nursing.

To honor Boone’s bravery and his commitment to nursing as his second profession, Ballad Health has established the Boone McCrary, RN Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is funded by generous local donors and sales of a commemorative t-shirt dedicated to honoring Boone’s sacrifice.

Scholarship eligibility

In order to be eligible for this scholarship, you must:

Live in the Appalachian Highlands
Commit to working for Ballad Health after graduating
Be a nursing student or have been accepted into a nursing program
Have your high school degree or equivalent
Agree to finish your associate degree in less than three years

How long is the commitment agreement?

In order to be eligible for the Boone McCrary, RN Memorial Scholarship, students must commit to working with Ballad Health full time in a bedside nursing position after graduation. This commitment helps strengthen the nursing workforce throughout the Appalachian Highlands while supporting students in achieving their educational goals. The required service commitment is based on the total amount of scholarship funding received:

Less than $5,000: requires an 18-month work commitment to Ballad Health
$5,000 – $10,000: requires a three-year work commitment to Ballad Health
$10,000 or greater: requires a five-year commitment to Ballad Health

Apply to Boone McCrary, RN Memorial Scholarship

To apply, you will need the following:

Resume
Scholarship application
Two letters of reference
College acceptance letter

Applications are now open. Applications will remain open through July 1, 2026. For more information, call our recruitment line at (423) 302‑3299 or email recruitment@balladhealth.org

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Donate to the scholarship fund

Want to support the scholarship, even if you don't know a candidate personally? You can make a difference by donating to the Ballad Health Foundation's Boone McCrary, RN Memorial Scholarship fund.