CHILLICOTHE, OH (May 7, 2026) – Adena Health has awarded $230,000 in scholarships to 46 high school students, marking the largest amount distributed through its Jack Berno Hope for Our Future scholarship program.
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.