Roane State student Olivia Hartup is one of only 35 students to win a scholarship to cover the cost of the Pharmacy Technician Certification exam fee, Walgreens and the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society announced.

The new Walgreens scholarship recognizes honor society members who are enrolled in Allied Health or Pharmacy Technician programs and intend to take the exam.

“Certification exam costs often create a financial barrier for students that hinders their ability to enter the workforce,” said Dr. Monica Marlowe, executive director of the Phi Theta Kappa Foundation.

Applications for the scholarship are open year round and winners are picked twice a year. Up to 65 awards are bestowed annually.

Hartup said she was honored to be chosen and “grateful for the opportunities it has given me.”

The Kingston native said she works at Baggett Pharmacy in her home town while she attends Roane State. She’s now a registered technician and intends to take the exam to become a certified pharmacy technician this summer.

She plans to graduate from Roane State in the spring of 2021, transfer to East Tennessee State University and major in Allied Health Sciences.

“Being part of something larger than I am and having the opportunity to help others is the type of career I want to pursue,” she said.

Roane State Community College is a two-year college providing transfer programs, career-preparation programs and continuing education. Founded in 1971, the college has locations in Roane, Campbell, Cumberland, Fentress, Knox, Loudon, Morgan, and Scott counties as well as a branch campus in Oak Ridge.