With so much dislike here about keeping the scholarship, I need to share my story.  I graduated near the top of my class in 2006 and was offered this scholarship.  I also received 2 nominations to the Naval Academy and had scholarship in Florida to chose from.  I chose Alaska because of this offer.  I graduated with my BS in Nursing and put my time in at Alaska Regional.  Alaska kept the talent and a bright mind home, and in return I have paid my debt.  Now I am studying medicine out of state and cross my fingers that I can come home to practice when its time, but it all depends on budgets and healthcare politics.  If Alaska wants a bright future they have to recruit and retain the brightest minds.  Merit based awards are powerful, only if politicians were paid based on merit...