PCH Awards Doc Acklin Scholarships; Registration Open for Second Annual Doc Acklin Race

Paris Community Hospital/Family Medical Center recently awarded two $1,000 Doc Acklin Healthcare Scholarships to Sammy Biddle and Jenna Lawson, outstanding seniors who embody the character traits of the late Dr. James Acklin. Funds will be used to further their education in the medical field.

Biddle will attend Millikin University in Decatur where he will run cross country and pursue an athletic training degree.

Lawson is attending Lakeland Community College in Mattoon to pursue a physical therapy degree.

The scholarships are funded through proceeds from the annual Doc Acklin Race. PCH/FMC and Paris High School began the program in memory of Dr. James Acklin, who passed away August 23, 2015. He retired in 1994 after 34 years as a family physician at Paris Community Hospital.

Race Registration

Registration is now open for the second annual Doc Acklin Race. It will be held on Saturday, August 26, at 7:30 am, at Paris High School, 14040 E. 1200th Road, Paris.

A three-mile race open to the public will start at 7:30 am at the school’s Cross Country Team Course. Anyone is welcome to participate by running and/or walking. An invitational for local cross country teams will immediately follow the open race.

The cost of the open race is $10 per person; or participants can register and receive a race T-shirt for $20. Registration must be received by August 12 to guarantee a shirt. However, race registration will be accepted through the day of the race. Registration/donation forms are available at registration areas at Paris Community Hospital/Family Medical Center and at ParisCommunityHospital.com/DocAcklinRace.