New Scholarship for Women and Veterans Launches, Urging Community Support for Donations

The MCC Foundation has launched the Lauren Doubrava-Garrison Memorial Scholarship, aimed at supporting women in medical sciences, emergency medical services, fire services, and similar fields. The scholarship honors Lauren Doubrava, an aspiring nurse who tragically passed away in April at 25. Up to $2,500 will be awarded to four women, prioritizing veterans for this opportunity.

Leslie Weber, the scholarship creator, emphasized its role in easing financial burdens for veterans, particularly for essentials like books and computers that the GI Bill may not cover. Her personal connection to Doubrava began in a medical class, where Doubrava’s kindness had a profound impact. “She bent over backwards to help me,” recalled Weber, highlighting Doubrava’s selfless nature.

“Lauren was an absolutely amazing soul and touched so many lives in her short time on this earth,” Weber added, underlining Doubrava’s passion for the medical field and her zest for life. Michelle Doubrava, Lauren’s mother, reminisced about her daughter’s unwavering kindness. “She loved people. She was just… good. She was good-hearted,” she said, also noting Lauren’s strong, no-nonsense attitude.

Lauren graduated early from Lake Havasu High School and attended MCC for a semester before enlisting in the U.S. Navy at 18. After a medical discharge two years later, she remained dedicated to her education, earning certifications in phlebotomy and medical assisting.

Following her move to Kingman in September 2023, Doubrava worked in the phlebotomy lab at Kingman Regional Medical Center and later as a medical assistant at Lakeside Heart and Vascular. She had returned to MCC to pursue nursing studies before her untimely death. “She was really at the top of her game when she passed away,” her mother stated.

In a heartfelt tribute, Michelle shared online that Lauren would be proud of the scholarship created in her memory. “She was always the first to help others… her legacy will live on through this scholarship program,” she wrote.

Community members wishing to honor Lauren Doubrava can contribute to the scholarship fund at foundation.mohave.edu/scholarships by selecting “Memorial Donation” and specifying the scholarship name. Donations can also be mailed to Mohave Community College Foundation at 1971 Jagerson Ave., Kingman, AZ 86409.

For inquiries about the scholarship, contact Richard Holborow, College Advancement Manager, at 928-757-0846 or rholborow@mohave.edu.