Scholarship Recipients

Congratulations to ​the 2023 recipients of the Maxine Williams Scholarship:

Darrylinn Tafoya graduated in July 2023 from Santa Fe Community College in New Mexico. Tafoya’s passion for helping people with health care needs in her community (San Ildefonso Pueblo) fueled her career in medical assisting. In the future, she hopes to help meet the needs of others who need assistance. “I enjoy giving back to the community and surrounding areas that have helped me along my health care career and school needs.”

As a student, Tafoya is described by a professor as an exemplary student and team player. “[Darrylinn] is a very kind and caring person, [as well as] very strong and determined—great qualities for a medical assistant.”

Michaela Reed graduated in May 2023 from SUNY Erie Community College in Williamsville, New York. Reed hopes to channel her love of children and desire to help families through difficult times into work as a pediatric cardiac sonographer. She feels the CMA (AAMA) credential will equip her with the skills to be a multifaceted health care worker. “I am so glad I chose medical assisting because no other program offers the combination of clinical and administrative curriculum like this field,” she says.

Reed is known for her adaptability and positive attitude. Her employer emphasizes their confidence in Reed’s career: “[Michaela] thinks of better ways to do things and isn’t afraid to volunteer her excellent ideas. I am confident that Michaela will be the best medical assistant she can be. Her warm, welcome, and positive attitude will brighten the days of many people.”

Millaray Lopez graduated in August 2023 from Bates Technical College in Tacoma, Washington. After graduation, she hopes to work as a CMA (AAMA) in a hospital setting, helping a variety of patients. She eventually hopes to pursue higher education.

Lopez’s educators praise her as a focused, organized, and skillful student. A professor notes, “Millaray distinguishes herself in the program with her professionalism and accomplishments. … She continues to show exceptional maturity and reliability in her performance.”

Terreva Zipp will graduate in May 2024 from Ivy Tech Community College in Sellersburg, Indiana, with two certifications and an associate degree. After graduation from the medical assisting program, she will continue studying at Ivy Tech for certification in addiction studies. She hopes to eventually work in a private practice.

During her academic career, Zipp has persevered to achieve and maintain academic success. Despite her numerous responsibilities, she is dedicated to her assignments and enjoys supporting other students. Her professor notes, “[Terreva] takes pride in her work and performs her absolutely finest in all that is asked of her.