- June 28, 2026
Paradise Pointe Assisted Living & Memory Care recently announced La'Stephanic "Step" Curry, a registered nurse, as the first recipient of the Barbara Gammon Memorial Scholarship.
The scholarship was established to honor the life and legacy of Paradise Pointe's first resident, while investing in the future of compassionate healthcare professionals, according to a press release. Curry joined Paradise Pointe in 2023 and has served as both a charge nurse and nursing supervisor.
She is currently completing the final semester of her bachelor's in nursing and plans to continue her education to become a nurse practitioner with a focus on mental health.
Curry wrote in her scholarship application that her path into the health care field was rooted in "both academic ambition and a deeply personal calling" — the loss of her brother, Trae.
"It helped me realize that medical care is not only about treating physical symptoms, but also about holding space for patients' emotional well-being and treating them with the dignity they deserve," Curry wrote.
The Barbara Gammon Memorial Scholarship was created to support employees pursuing careers in healthcare, caregiving and related fields. Each year, one Paradise Pointe team member will receive a $1,000 scholarship to further their education.
"When we created the Barbara Gammon Memorial Scholarship, we wanted to honor my mother's legacy in a way that reflected who she was — a woman who believed in kindness, lifelong learning, and caring for others with your whole heart," said Darlinda Copeland, CEO and founder of Paradise Pointe. "Step embodies those values every single day. She leads with compassion, advocates fiercely for her residents, and approaches nursing with both skill and genuine empathy. Her personal journey, dedication to mental health advocacy, and commitment to treating every resident with dignity make her an extraordinary caregiver and an inspiring first recipient of this scholarship. I know my mom would be incredibly proud to see her legacy helping team members like Step continue their education and touch countless lives for years to come."
In the press release, Copeland explained the connection between Gammon and Curry’s journey.
"Step was one of the staff members that she recognized as not only a great nurse but someone who should grow in her education and her career," she said. "She would encourage her each time she saw her to go back to school. Step would visit her all the time to get advice on life, love, faith, and school. She always watched over her."
