Horizon Health Awards Doc Acklin Scholarships; Registration Open for Fourth Annual Doc Acklin Race

Horizon Health recently awarded two $1,000 Doc Acklin Healthcare Scholarships to Brooklyn Westerfield and Emilee Roush, 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.

Brooklyn will attend the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where she will major in animal sciences, pursing a degree in veterinary medicine.

Emilee will attend Saint Mary of the Woods where she will pursue a degree in nursing, with an ultimate goal of becoming a nurse practitioner.

The scholarships are funded through proceeds from the annual Doc Acklin Race. Horizon Health and Paris High School began the program in 2016 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.

Dr. Acklin was a respected member of the Paris High School cross country team that captured an unprecedented four consecutive state championships from 1946-49.

Race Registration

Registration is now open for the fourth annual Doc Acklin Race on Saturday, August 31, 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 Race Course. Anyone is welcome to participate by running and/or walking. Following the open race, an invitational for local cross country teams will begin.

Registration must be received by August 16 to guarantee a shirt. Otherwise, participants can sign up for the race up until, and including, the day of the event at MyHorizonHealth.org/DocAcklinRace.

The cost of the open race is $10 per person; or participants can register and receive a race T-shirt for $20. If you are unable to participate, or would prefer to donate, you can do so by filling out a registration/donation form. All proceeds will benefit the Horizon Health Doc Acklin Scholarship.