2026-2027 Scholarship Recipients

LPN Charge Nurse

Kendra’s first experience with death was when her great-grandfather – her hero – passed away. She was just a teenager, but she already understood the power of nursing to give patients dignity when their bodies are failing and to provide families with comfort through their calming presence. In spite of a life filled with hardship, Kendra has doggedly pursued her goal of becoming a registered nurse. A mother of seven, she has recently been accepted into the R.H. Daniel School of Nursing at Piedmont University and wants to continue caring for the elderly, “the generation that once carried this country on their backs and whose sacrifices built the world I now live in,” as she describes them.

Certified Nursing Assistant

Healthcare has never been just a job for Alisha. Through years of experience in healthcare, including 12 years with PruittHealth, Alisha has recognized the importance of dependable, compassionate care for those who are facing life’s end. She is currently part of the nursing consortium at Tri-County Community College and is committed to becoming a registered nurse so that she can grow in her knowledge of healthcare, make a meaningful difference in the lives of her patients and their families, and build a stronger future for herself and her daughter, who is enrolled in the same nursing program as Alisha.

Maintenance Assistant

Marcus began working in nursing homes as a maintenance technician in 2017. He quickly gravitated toward the residents and began to think of his work as a method of providing care. In 2023 he came to PruittHealth, where the staff noticed his kindness, patience, and skill at building relationships. Soon one of the RNs suggested that Marcus consider becoming a nurse. “She told me that half of nursing is listening and the other half is caring. She told me that I had both halves already, I just needed the degree,” he said. This advice gave Marcus the encouragement to pursue a degree at Fortis College as a licensed practical nurse so that he can make a clinical contribution to the facility he loves.

Certified Nursing Assistant

Over the past 13 years, Adanna has battled chronic illness and endured three hip replacement surgeries. While dealing with physical and emotional challenges, she found that social workers were her strongest advocates as they coordinated her care, connected her to helpful resources, reassured her family members, and reminded her that she was not alone. Inspired by their impact, Adanna is pursuing a Master of Social Work. She hopes her 12 years of experience in caregiving, in addition to her education in social work, will allow her to contribute to programs that address disparities in healthcare access and improve coordination between medical teams and community resources, especially for underserved populations.

Pre-Med Track

John Wyatt’s life changed forever when his youngest sister passed away in 2022 at age 9 from a rare, inoperable brain tumor. During the three years she fought her illness, dozens of medical professionals supported her through numerous treatments, surgeries, and hospitalizations. Her journey inspired John Wyatt to pursue a career in pediatric oncology. During his time at Mary Persons High School in Forsyth, GA, John Wyatt earned his CNA license through a dual enrollment program while remaining active in leadership organizations, student clubs, and community service. He will begin studies at Mercer University in the fall of 2026 and hopes to serve as a physician in his hometown. John Wyatt's mother, Joy, works in therapy services at PruittHealth.

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Emma has always dreamed of becoming a nurse. She recalls receiving a Doc McStuffins doctor’s kit for her fifth birthday and “making rounds” to examine her parents and siblings. This dream has continued through her high school graduation in May 2026 from South Forsyth High School in Cumming, GA, where she was involved in cheerleading and academic activities. After receiving her BS in nursing from the University of Alabama, Emma plans to become a trauma nurse, then pursue a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in forensic nursing. Ultimately, she hopes to attain her certification to become a Forensic Nurse Examiner so that she can pursue justice for trauma victims while working as a Special Agent for the FBI. Emma’s father, Steven, works at the PruittHealth corporate office.

Doctorate in Physical Therapy

As a lifelong basketball and softball player, Rickell learned quickly about the pain and setbacks that are caused by injuries. Throughout high school and college, she required four reconstructive knee surgeries. Rickell developed a curiosity about exercises that could help the body heal, and she credits her athletic trainer with not only guiding her through recovery but also transforming her curiosity into a desire to help others through physical therapy. When Rickell’s grandmother had emergency hip surgery, Rickell saw another side of physical therapy as she helped care for her grandmother. After getting her doctorate in physical therapy, Rickell hopes to help athletes and older adults regain independence, strength, and confidence.

Preprofessional Health Studies

Despite challenging childhood experiences, Josie learned to pursue her goals with perseverance and determination. Throughout middle school and high school, she dedicated herself to academics and athletics, including basketball, swimming, and track and field. As she became more interested in the human body and the positive effects of exercise, Josie completed both an athletic training internship and a physical therapy internship during her high school years at Palmetto Christian Academy in Mount Pleasant, SC. She will begin her coursework in Preprofessional Health Studies at Clemson University in the fall of 2026 and is interested in becoming a physical therapist eventually.