First Literacy Announces 2024-2025 Tom Brunnick Memorial Scholarship Recipient
Written by Yaimar Molina, Marketing and Communications Intern, First Literacy
Diana (center) pictured with relatives of Tom Brunnick.
First Literacy is proud to announce that Diana has been awarded the 2025 Brunnick Scholarship, an annual award that recognizes outstanding achievements and resilience in the pursuit of higher education.
The Brunnick Scholarship was established in memory of Tom Brunnick, an Irish immigrant who arrived in the United States in 1921, seeking a better future after fleeing poverty and civil unrest in his homeland. Through relentless hard work and perseverance, he built a life for himself in Boston, raising five children and achieving the dream of homeownership. His story serves as a testament to the power of education, determination, and opportunity—values that continue to inspire and shape the scholarship in his name.
Diana’s own journey reflects the resilience and determination that the Brunnick Scholarship was created to support. Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, where much of the population faces poverty, Diana excelled academically despite growing up in a challenging home environment. She became the first in her family to move to the United States, determined to build a brighter future. Though her mother’s advice was to become an engineer, she discovered that her true passion was nursing—a field where she could make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Adapting to a new country came with obstacles, from learning English to navigating an unfamiliar education system; but Diana remained focused and determined to achieve her goals. Now a student at Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC), she has not only maintained an outstanding academic record but has also taken on numerous leadership roles. She is a member of the Commonwealth Honors Society and the National Society of Leadership and Success, while also serving as Senator at Large for the Student Government Association, Chapter Vice President of Scholarship for the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society (Alpha Kappa Mu chapter), and Nursing Student Ambassador.
Diana’s aspirations extend beyond her current studies. By next year, she plans to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) a standardized exam that all nursing graduates must pass to obtain their Registered Nurse (RN) license and begin practicing in the field. Following licensure, she intends to enroll in a Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program, which will allow her to advance her education and expand her career opportunities. Diana has particularly enjoyed gaining experience in psychiatric nursing and shadowing in the operating room and is excited to explore maternity and pediatrics rotations this spring. Long-term, she is committed to continuing her education, with the goal of earning a Master of Science in Nursing and becoming a nurse practitioner.
“The Brunnick Scholarship is truly life-changing for me. It has eased the financial burden of tuition and course materials, allowing me to focus entirely on my studies and clinical experience instead of worrying about how to afford my education. Nursing is an incredible but costly career path, especially with unpaid clinical rotations and a demanding academic schedule,” explained Diana. “This support takes a huge weight off my shoulders, helping me stay on track with my nursing program and prepare for the NCLEX-RN exam next year. It’s an opportunity to keep pushing toward my dream of becoming a nurse and, eventually, a nurse practitioner.”
The Brunnick Scholarship is awarded annually to individuals who exemplify academic excellence, leadership, and perseverance in overcoming adversity. It reflects First Literacy’s mission to empower adult learners and their families through literacy and education.
“Diana’s story is a powerful example of the perseverance and dedication that the Brunnick Scholarship was created to support,” said Terry, Executive Director of First Literacy. “Her passion for nursing, combined with her leadership and academic excellence, truly sets her apart. We are honored to be part of her journey and excited to see the impact she will make in the healthcare field.”
First Literacy congratulates Diana on this well-deserved honor and looks forward to seeing her make a meaningful impact in the healthcare field.
If you are interested in establishing a special named scholarship in honor of a loved one contact Terry Witherell, First Literacy Executive Director, at twitherell@firstliteracy.org.