Horizon Health Foundation Awards Healthcare Scholarships

The Horizon Health Foundation has announced the recipients of the 2025 healthcare scholarships. These “next generation healthcare heroes” were honored at a reception on July 25 at Horizon Health.

“We are proud to support students in their healthcare journey—from first-time students to working professionals advancing their careers,” said Randi Bohannon, Horizon Health Foundation Executive Director. “These scholarships help keep qualified, compassionate care close to home.”

The Foundation is grateful to Diepholz Auto of Paris for their generous sponsorship and for supporting the education of students who will care for our communities for years to come.

“Supporting the Scholarship Reception is one way we can invest in the future of our communities,” said Christene Addis, Marketing Manager at Diepholz Auto. “These scholarship recipients are tomorrow’s healthcare leaders, and we’re proud to stand behind them as they pursue their academic goals.”

Over the past five years, the Foundation has awarded $26,100 to 32 scholarship recipients.

The 2025 scholarship recipients are:

Doc Acklin Healthcare Scholarship

Two $1,000 scholarships were awarded to two Paris Cooperative High School graduating seniors who embody the character traits of the late Dr. James Acklin (scholastic ability, participation in athletics, and character).

• Carlee Longest, Paris, will be a Nursing major at the University of Alabama.
• Graci Watson, Paris, will be a Speech & Hearing Sciences major at the University of Illinois.

Dr. Leland Phipps Memorial Scholarship

A $1,000 scholarship was awarded to a Horizon Health employee to further her education in the healthcare field.

• Deming Hawkins, Paris, is a PRN at Horizon Health and will be in the Medical Imaging program at Ivy Tech Community College.

Frey-McKnight Community Leadership Scholarship

One $1,000 scholarship was awarded to a Horizon Health employee who embodies the spirit of the late Michael Frey (justice, integrity, equality, community service and giving back). This scholarship aims to support individuals who are dedicated to these values and motivated to make a positive impact in their communities.

• Callie Bourland, currently a CMA at Horizon Health, is a Nursing major at Ivy Tech Community College.

Foundation Board EMT Scholarship

Two $950 scholarships were awarded to cover the cost of the EMT-Basic certification course at Horizon Health.

• Brittany Smith, is attending the EMT program at Horizon Health to gain EMS skills, hoping to pursue full-time work as an EMS provider, and eventually attend a Paramedic program.
• Layken Brickeen, is attending the EMT program at Horizon Health to gain EMS skills, hoping to pursue full-time work as an EMS provider, and eventually attend a Paramedic program.

Nursing Foundation Scholarship

Two $500 scholarships were awarded to students who are currently enrolled in, or have been accepted into, a nursing program.

• Claire Kirby, Paris Cooperative High School, will be a Nursing major at St. Mary-of-the-Woods.
• Taylor Clark, Paris Cooperative High School, will be a Nursing major at Danville Area Community College.

Paris Community Hospital Volunteers’ Scholarship

The Paris Community Hospital Volunteers, a separate organization from the Foundation, awarded two $1,500 scholarships.

• Grayson Strange, Chrisman High School, will be a Nursing major at Lake Land College.
• Anika Currie, currently a CMA at Horizon Health, is a Health Sciences major at Eastern Illinois University.

The Horizon Health Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports Horizon Health by advancing the mission and enhancing services. As a separate organization, governed by a dedicated Board of Directors, the Foundation focuses on fundraising to support Horizon Health’s initiatives and programs. Through our fundraising endeavors, generous support of donors, community partnerships, grants and outreach efforts, we aim to positively impact the health and well-being of the communities served by Horizon Health.

To learn more, visit the Horizon Health Foundation website.