RUSSELL, Ky. —April 29, 2026— At Morning Pointe Senior Living, it is often the quiet, everyday moments of care that tell the biggest stories. For Shawanna Salyers, those moments have turned into something extraordinary.
The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence, Russell, is celebrating Salyers, a State Registered Nurse Aide, who has been named a 2026 Kentucky Health Care Foundation Gold Scholarship recipient. The prestigious honor recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to the future of healthcare.
As if that recognition was not enough, Salyers also recently placed in the Top 4 on her Registered Nurse entrance exam, marking another milestone on her path toward becoming a Registered Nurse.
The Kentucky Health Care Foundation provides scholarships to help ease the cost of education for individuals working in long-term care who are continuing their professional journey. Since 1989, through its partnership with the Kentucky Coalition for Aging Resources and Empowerment, the foundation has supported caregivers based on their academic achievement and commitment to quality care. Scholarships are awarded to individuals pursuing nursing and other healthcare degrees.
For nearly two years, Salyers has served residents at the Russell Lantern memory care community, where she is known not just for her clinical skills but for the way she shows up for residents each day.
“For nearly two years, I have worked at Morning Pointe Lantern, where I serve as the Lead SRNA,” said Salyers. “In my role, I advocate for my residents when they cannot speak for themselves, and I take the time to truly listen when they need to be heard. I believe in always offering a helping hand and being present for those who depend on me.”
Her commitment to care goes beyond the day-to-day. Salyers shared that the scholarship will play a meaningful role in helping her reach her long-term goal.
“This award will greatly support my journey toward becoming a Registered Nurse, a goal I am deeply committed to achieving. Being nominated is an incredible honor, and I am truly grateful,” she said.
Salyers also credits the strong support system around her for helping her grow both personally and professionally.
“I would not be where I am today without the support of my family, friends, Director of Nursing Dorrie Moore, Executive Director Nicole West, and all the nurses who have continuously encouraged me to grow,” she added. “Their belief in me has helped shape the person I am today.”
Leadership at the Russell Lantern community says Salyers embodies what compassionate care looks like in action, especially in a memory care setting where connection and trust are essential.
Every day, she leads by example, offering encouragement to her peers while providing residents with dignity, respect, and a listening ear.
“I strive every day to lead by example, hold my head high, and follow my dreams,” Salyers said. “I hope that my hard work is an inspiration to my peers.”
The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence, Russell offers specialized memory care services designed to support individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia in a safe, structured, and engaging environment. On the same campus, Morning Pointe of Russell Assisted Living provides assisted living services, creating a full-service senior living campus with personalized care, dining, and life enrichment programs. Associates are available to support residents while offering peace of mind for families.
As she continues her journey toward becoming a Registered Nurse, her team knows this is only the beginning.
At Morning Pointe Senior Living communities, stories like Salyers’ reflect a larger mission. It is about investing in people who are called to care and supporting them as they grow into the next generation of healthcare leaders.
About Morning Pointe Senior Living
Founded in 1997 by healthcare entrepreneurs Greg A. Vital and J. Franklin Farrow, Morning Pointe Senior Living operates assisted living and Alzheimer’s memory care communities in five southeastern states, including AL, GA, IN, KY & TN. For more information, visit morningpointe.com.
The philanthropic arm of Morning Pointe Senior Living is the Morning Pointe Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to provide clinical scholarships and caregiver support.
