22 Students Awarded the 2026 Mary Lou Johnson Health Career Scholarship

KENTON, OH – OhioHealth Hardin Memorial Hospital is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Mary Lou Johnson Scholarship. This annual scholarship supports students from Hardin County and surrounding areas who are pursuing degrees in healthcare and related fields.

This year, 22 students have been awarded $500 scholarships — 12 graduating high school seniors and 10 returning college students — as they continue their education and prepare for careers in healthcare.

The scholarship honors the legacy of Mary Lou Johnson, a longtime advocate for healthcare access and education in Hardin County. This year’s recipients are:

High School Recipients

• Paige Courtad, Riverdale High School – University of Findlay, Nursing
• Mekaylah Creamer, Kenton High School – Rhodes State College, Nursing
• Emori Criner, Kenton High School – Rhodes State College, Physical Therapy
• Kaiden Gammon, Kenton High School – Apollo Career Center, Nursing
• Alexander Scott George, Ridgemont High School – Ohio Northern University, Biochemistry
• Kimberly Heberling, Kenton High School – The Ohio State University at Lima, Radiology
• Kasey Luikart, Riverdale High School – University of Toledo, Nursing
• Adalyn Manns, Kenton High School – University of Findlay, Physical Therapy
• Quinlyn Spearman, Kenton High School – Tiffin University, Nursing
• Kolbie Stanfield, Ridgemont High School – The Ohio State University, Nursing
• Presley Wilson, Kenton High School – Miami University, Biomedical Engineering
• Amelia Young, Ada High School – Ohio Northern University, Medical Laboratory Science

Returning College Recipients

• Chloe Hattery – Ohio Northern University, Biology (Pre-Physician Assistant)
• Angelica Forester – Otterbein University, Nursing
• Caitlin Defibaugh – Rhodes State College, Nursing
• Leah Harder – Ohio Northern University, Nursing
• Mackenzie Kugel – Rhodes State College, Radiographic Imaging
• Morgan Lyons – Bowling Green State University, Communication Sciences and Disorders
• Kennedy Phelps – University of Findlay, Occupational Therapy
• Brailyn Thacker – Rhodes State College, Nursing
• Karley Wagner – Bowling Green State University, Applied Health Science (Pre-Physician Assistant)
• Ramzie Whitaker – Ohio Northern University, Pharmacy

“These students represent the future of healthcare in our community, and it is inspiring to see their commitment to caring for others,” said Ryan Newland, senior advisor of operations at Hardin Memorial Hospital. “The Mary Lou Johnson Scholarship honors a legacy of service and celebrates the compassion and dedication each recipient brings as they begin their healthcare journey.”

Successful candidates for Foundation scholarships must be accepted or currently enrolled in health career programs such as nursing, pharmacy, respiratory therapy, radiologic technology, laboratory technology or other hospital-based undergraduate degree programs. Qualified students must be accepted as full-time students, demonstrate a strong aptitude for health service, and exhibit scholastic achievement, character, good citizenship and financial need. Applicants must reside within the Hardin Memorial Hospital service area.

“There’s a growing need for healthcare professionals and supporting students who want to serve in those roles is one of the best investments we can make,” said Jim Parobek, president of Hardin Memorial Hospital. “We’re proud to help these students as they work toward careers that will make a difference for patients and families in our community.”

The Hardin Memorial Hospital Foundation established the scholarship in 1988 to encourage students to pursue hospital-based healthcare careers and support local students who may be interested in seeking employment within Hardin Memorial Hospital’s scope of services after graduation.

For more information about future scholarship opportunities, contact the Administration Office at Hardin Memorial Hospital at (419) 675-8151.