UKIAH, Calif. – Mendocino College students Christina Casella and Kathryn Dudley have a lot in common, including their work in health care facilities and interest in science classes.

In addition, the two Lake County residents are recipients of the Mendocino College Yvonne Sligh Book Awards this spring.

Pursuing a career in nursing or as a physician’s assistant, Casella currently works at St. Helena Hospital in Clearlake as an emergency medical/emergency room technician.

She is enrolled in 16 course units this semester and attends classes at the college’s main campus in Ukiah and its Lake Center in Lakeport. Her studies are focused on microbiology and biochemistry.

Casella, who earned a 4.0 grade point average in her prerequisite classes last semester, would like to continue her education at Mendocino College.

“It’s close to home and affordable,” said the student who named anatomy as her favorite class, adding that she felt challenged by the summer session course. “I learned a lot and enjoyed the instructor.”

Like Casella, Dudley is studying microbiology this semester with plans to enter Mendocino College’s Nursing Program. She will complete her coursework for an associate’s degree in natural science this spring.

Dudley also attends classes at both the Ukiah and Lakeport locations of the College. In Lakeport, she has enjoyed the political science class and she named Rick Jones as her favorite teacher.

Dudley has managed to maintain a 3.56 grade point average while attending Mendocino College.

With 17 units of courses this semester, Dudley still finds time to volunteer her services at Evergreen Healthcare nursing home in Lakeport.

“I love it,” she said, noting that she assists patients with their occupational and physical therapy routines.

The Yvonne Sligh Book Awards benefit Mendocino College students by providing vouchers to assist with book expenses.

The awards are funded by Mendocino College faculty, administration and staff, the Nebraska Book Co., College trustees, the Mendocino College Foundation and donations.

Established in 2002-03 by the foundation, the award program honors Yvonne Sligh, the late librarian who was employed at the college for 16 years.

Since its establishment, the program has grown exponentially. Students may receive the book vouchers if they are not eligible for any other financial aid and do not receive Mendocino College scholarships.

Individuals who are interested in making a donation to the Yvonne Sligh Book Award Program are asked to contact the Mendocino College Foundation at 707-467-1018.

Additional information may be obtained by calling the foundation or by visiting its Web site, http://foundation.mendocino.edu .