Glenwood Springs resident Michelle Thrun has been awarded a prestigious Sacks for CF academic scholarship from the Boomer Esiason Foundation (BEF). Thrun, 18, will use the scholarship funds to support her studies at the University of Colorado – Boulder.

Under the Sacks for CF program, Abbott Laboratories makes a donation to BEF’s scholarship program for every quarterback sack recorded during NFL Monday Night Football games. Through the BEF/Abbott partnership, Sacks for CF funds are then awarded to college students with cystic fibrosis (CF) based on academic achievement and adherence to daily CF therapy.

“While our ultimate goal is to find a cure for cystic fibrosis, we know that the 30,000 Americans living with the disease need assistance in the here and now,” former NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason said. “The Sacks for CF scholarship program is one way BEF and Abbott are addressing the day-to-day needs of people living with CF.”

The Boomer Esiason Foundation is “very proud of Michelle Thrun and the other Sacks for CF scholarship winners,” Esiason continued. “Dealing with this disease is tough, but they’re living, breathing proof that people with CF can lead full and productive lives.”

Meg Nieslanik, a resident of Meeker, has earned placement on the Gonzaga University president’s list for fall semester 2011. Students must earn a 3.7 to 4.0 grade-point average to be listed.

VVHA has established a Health Sciences Scholarship for persons entering or continuing with studies in the medical field. Two scholarships will be awarded to students planning to pursue a career in the Health Sciences. Any person wishing to study or to continue studies in the medical field is eligible for this scholarship. All completed applications are due Friday, April 13, and will be reviewed by the VVHA Scholarships committee. For further information and applications, please call Annalise Appel, volunteer coordinator, at 384-6656 or visit the Valley View Hospital website to download an application.