A Scholarship Rooted in Compassion and Service

Jenna Scherer, a young woman with wavy brown hair, wearing a white blouse and a silver necklace, stands in front of a vibrant, abstract mural with bold strokes of blue, red, yellow, and black. She is smiling and holding a sign that reads: "I'm thankful for... my family, this scholarship, my future career path," with a small paw print at the bottom. The sign also features the Napa Valley Community Foundation logo in the lower left corner.

Sabrina Robinson and Jenna Scherer are two passionate students making strides in the veterinary field with the help of Napa Valley Community Foundation’s Dr. Rick Bachman Memorial Veterinary Medicine Scholarship. Both women share a deep commitment to caring for animals and a desire to give back to their communities, embodying the spirit of Dr. Bachman’s legacy.

For Sabrina, a student working toward becoming a veterinary technologist, the opportunity to deepen her knowledge and make a difference in her community is a driving force. “I’m excited to be able to learn more about how to care for animals and help our community’s animals and their families.”

Jenna Scherer, a fellow student in the Carrington College Veterinary Technician program, echoes this passion: “I’m excited to be able to also give back to the community and get the hands-on experience that the program has to offer.”

About the Dr. Rick Bachman Memorial Veterinary Medicine Scholarship Fund

The Dr. Rick Bachman Memorial Veterinary Medicine Scholarship Fund is made possible by Napa Humane and benefits current or former residents of Napa County, Solano County, or Lake County. The scholarship is geared towards veterinary students who are committed to practicing companion animal veterinary medicine and plan to give back to their community after graduation.

For both women, the scholarship has provided vital support. This scholarship celebrates the life of Dr. Richard Wayne Bachman, DVM, a distinguished veterinarian and beloved mentor. Affectionately known as “Dr. B” by colleagues and “Ricky” to friends, his commitment to animal welfare extended beyond his role as Lead Veterinarian at Napa Humane. He was notably involved in their weekend Wellness Clinics, serving the underserved, low-income, Spanish speaking community. Dr. Bachman was also deeply invested in the education of future veterinarians and vet technicians.

Sabrina Robinson, a young woman with long black hair, wearing a black patterned blouse, stands in front of the same colorful abstract mural. She is smiling and holding a sign that reads: "My dream is... to own and operate an Animal Sanctuary." The sign also features the Napa Valley Community Foundation logo in the lower left corner.

A Huge Relief

For Sabrina, getting the scholarship has eased financial worries, “getting the scholarship honestly means that I will be able to focus on my studies instead of having to worry too much about the financial stress.”

“One of the best parts about this scholarship is that it honors Dr. Bachman’s legacy in the veterinary field and shows his compassion for animals,” shares Jenna. “I am extremely thankful to be receiving this scholarship because it means a huge weight is lifted off my shoulders when it comes to the financial side of school and allows me to focus on learning and being fully immersed in school.”

Beyond the financial benefits, Sabrina sees the scholarship as a symbol of recognition and encouragement. “It’s more than just financial support; it’s recognition of our dedication to the veterinary medical field.”

Applications Open

Applications for the Dr. Rick Bachman Memorial Veterinary Medicine Scholarship are open now. Sabrina encourages others to apply, noting, “The application process is straightforward, and the support that you get from Napa Valley Community Foundation is incredible.”

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