Adena Health awards $230,000 in scholarships to support local students pursuing health care careers
The Jack Berno Hope for Our Future scholarships support local high school students pursuing careers across the health care field, including both clinical and non-clinical roles. This year’s class includes students from 20 schools across Adena’s nine-county region, representing 14 fields of study.
“Investing in our youth is essential to the future of rural health care,” said Kathi Edrington, Adena president and CEO. “We want these students to see a future here and consider one day bringing their talents back to the communities they call home.”
Scholarship recipients include:
Adena High School
Joey Francis, finance
Meghan Hurless, nursing
Chillicothe High School
Samuel Byrd, medicine
Isaac Crawford, pharmacy
Thomas Fitton, physician assistant
Jake Suwannasing, medicine
Eastern Pike High School
Laken Gullett, imaging/radiology
Hillsboro High School
Kobie Miles, marketing
Homeschooled
Jocelyn Early, nursing
Huntington High School
Ava Potter, medicine
Jackson High School
Emma Carroll, medicine
Grant Kennedy, imaging/radiology
Grace Plants, imaging/radiology
Logan Elm High School
Madeline Kohli, imaging/radiology
Adelyn Smith, occupational therapy
Marlo Smith, medicine
McClain High School
Brieann Cummins, imaging/radiology
Desnic Hamler, psychology
Sarah Kegley, medicine
Dalainey Goddard, nursing
Bailey Parson, imaging/radiology
Miami Trace High School
Cali Kirkpatrick, speech pathology
Oak Hill High School
Samuel Gentry, engineering
Piketon High School
Natalynn McQueen, medicine
Ross County Christian Academy
Millane Berry, biology
Southeastern High School
Karsyn Rider, medicine
Unioto High School
Caleb Caplinger, physical therapy
Mackenzie Eisel, physical therapy
Margaret Lewis, medicine
Liam Mathey, nursing
Ella Smith, nursing
Jacob Specht, physician assistant
Addison Stanger, nursing
Washington High School
Madelynn Underwood, imaging/radiology
Cooper Robertson, finance
Waverly High School
LeaMarie Parker, medicine
Zander Shiland, medicine
Gracie Pence, psychology
Wellston High School
Devin Barnhill, marketing
Western High School
Shayla Tackett, nursing
Westfall High School
Olivia Dick, occupational therapy
Jaelyn Pounds, nursing
Zane Trace High School
Carlie Clark, health education
Brooklynn Fisher-Riffle, imaging/radiology
Lukas Oiler, exercise physiology
Riley Stiver, nursing
Jack Berno Hope for Our Future scholarships are made possible through fundraising by the Adena Health Foundation and Adena Volunteer Advisory Council, along with support from physicians, advanced practice providers, caregivers, and generous community donors. This year, the Adena Volunteer Advisory Council contributed $100,000 to support the expansion of the scholarship program, helping increase the number of students awarded.
“Our scholarships are an intentional investment in the future of health care,” said Laura Jo Hawk, Adena Health Foundation president. “They support students connected to our communities and mission while recognizing those who demonstrate a passion for serving others through health care.”
Applications for 2027 Jack Berno Hope for Our Future scholarships will be available in December. To help open doors for future students and strengthen the future of health care in our communities, visit Adena.org/Donate.