A RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY KICKED OFF THE 24TH ANNUAL HEALTH-A-RAMA.

"Victoria is a healthcare hub for seven counties around here and all that population usually does its healthcase work here in Victoria, so this gives a chance for people to have face to face time, one on one, with healthcare providers to find out services they do." Randy Vivian, from the Chamber of Commerce said.

      NOT ONLY DID PEOPLE GET TO SPEAK WITH REPRESENTATIVES, BUT MANT VENDORS OFFERED FREE SCREENINGS AND SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC.

"The Health A Rama here at Victoria Mall provides more than just information about health care services in the area"

     EACH VENDOR HAS TO PAY A FEE TO BE A PART OF THE HEALTH A RAMA EVENT.

    
      OFFICIALS SAY THAT MONEY IS USED TO GO TOWARDS THE VICTORIA COLLEGE ALLIED HEALTH PROGRAM.

    
      A PROGRAM THAT AWARDS SCHOLERSHIPS TO STUDENTS STUDYING SOMETHING IN THE MEDICAL FIELD.

    
     ABOUT TEN, $1,000 SCHOLERSHIPS ARE AWARDED PER SEMESTER.

    
      FOR SOME STUDENTS, GETTING THIS SCHOLERSHIP WAS A RELIEF AND A WAY TO HELP THEM CONTINUE THEIR EDUCATION.

"Tuition is like $600 a semester, plus books, like $200, so it paid for a full semester of college, with some remaining." Angela Flaxanger, a scholarship recipient said.

     TUITION CAN HOLD SOME PEOPLE BACK FROM ENROLLING IN THE FIRST PLACE, ANOTHER STUDENT PUT OFF SCHOOL FOR TEN YEARS FOR FINANCIAL REASONS, AND SAYS WHEN SHE WAS AWARDED THE SCHOLERSHIP IT GAVE HER THE BOOST SHE NEEDED TO AT LEAST GET STARTED.

"It changed everything, it meant i could get my education, it meant i could do a new career and commitment for myself, my family, if it wasn't for the scholarship, i wouldn't be here, so it means a great deal to me.  Mary Jo Garcia, a scholarship recipient said.

    LAUREN, IS STUDYING TO BE A RESPITORY THERAPIST. SHE SAYS JUGGLING A JOB WHILE TRYING TO MAINTAIN GOOD GRADES CAN BE DIFFICULT.

"When you're in a program as busy as our, you're not allowed to work a full time job, and it allowed me to cut back on hours at work so i could focus on school." Lauren Keag, a scholarship recipient said.

     STUDENTS CAN APPLY FOR THE SCHOLERSHIP MORE THAN ONCE BUT THEY ENCOURAGE THAT EACH STUDENT ONLY APPLIES ONCE SO THAT OTHERS MAY HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO RECEIVE ASSISTANCE.