Andalusia Health Services, Inc., Thursday awarded $120,000 in scholarships to 11 recipients planning careers in medicine.

They included William Christopher Jackson, who plans to enter med school; Aaron O’Connell and Brandy Lee Simpler, both of whom plan to become nurse practitioners; and Lisa Colvin Cassie Cooper, Evan Frye, Ashley Gunter, Evyn Patterson, Victoria Rabren, Shelly Sasser and Megan Truex, all studying to become RNs.

The total scholarships awarded include $66,700 in scholarship renewals from previous years.

The foundation fund was started decades ago, when the original citizen owners of the Andalusia hospital sold it to a private company. The sellers then invested the more than $2 million profit into the Andalusia Health Services foundation, which funds a variety of projects, including scholarships for students entering professions in the medical field.

In order to receive a scholarship, the student must contractually agree to return to Covington County to practice his or her craft, following graduation.

In addition to scholarships, Andalusia Health Services donates between $40,000 and $60,000 a year to local health-related charities.

Board members of Andalusia Health Services include Ivan Bishop, president; Jim Krudop, vice president; Cathy Alexander; Wayne Bennett; Diaon Cook; Chrissie Duffy; Carolyn Graham; Phillip Jones; John S. Merrill; Harmon Proctor; Charles Roland; and Elizabeth Starr.

Shirley Smith chairs the group’s scholarship committee. Other members are Ziba Anderson, Regina Bass, Bob Harry and Ted Watson.