2 Local High School Graduates Awarded $5,000 Scholarships
Mount Airy, NC – Northern Regional Hospital Foundation is proud to announce the 2025 recipients of the Robin Hardy Hodgin Education Scholarship. This year, the Foundation awarded $5,000 scholarships to two exceptional high school seniors who plan to pursue careers in healthcare. The scholarship is designed to help cover the cost of tuition, books, and supplies for students enrolling in accredited healthcare programs in nursing, pharmacy, or other allied health professions.
Since its establishment during the 2019–2020 school year, the Robin Hardy Hodgin Education Scholarship has provided $68,000 in financial assistance to support the next generation of healthcare professionals from our local community.
The Robin H. Hodgin Education Scholarship is named in honor of Northern Regional Hospital’s Interim President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Nursing Officer (CNO). Through generous private donations, the scholarship funds are matched dollar-for-dollar by the Northern Regional Foundation. One-time scholarships are awarded to eligible students residing in Surry County or surrounding areas who plan to pursue a nursing or allied health degree at an accredited college or university.
“I am honored to serve on the scholarship committee for the Robin Hardy Hodgin Education Scholarship,” said Tina Beasley, Northern Regional Hospital Foundation Executive Director. “This scholarship is a testament to the remarkable leadership and compassion of Robin Hodgin, a 44-year veteran of Northern Regional Hospital. It stands as a lasting symbol of our respect and gratitude for her impact on our hospital and our community. These scholarships go beyond financial aid – they represent our commitment to nurturing the future of healthcare right here at home.”
The 2025 scholarship recipients, Abby Epperson and Ella Riggs, were selected based on their academic achievements, community involvement, healthcare career aspirations, and financial need.
Abby Epperson
Abby Epperson is a senior at Mount Airy High School who plans to attend High Point University to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Abby began her journey with Northern as a junior volunteer before becoming a CNA pre-apprentice. She currently works at Northern Regional Hospital PRN and plans to return as a nurse after college.
“I want to use my passion for healthcare to make a difference in this community,” wrote Abby in her application essay. “After working and volunteering at Northern Regional Hospital, I know that the family and community here is where I belong. I plan to come home and create a career in my hometown, raising a family and giving back to the people who need it most each and every day.”
Abby is the daughter of Kelly and Jennifer Epperson.
When asked how the scholarship would benefit her, Abby shared, “Receiving the Robin Hodgin Scholarship will greatly support me as I pursue my nursing degree at High Point University by easing the financial challenges that come with college. This scholarship helps turn college into a celebration of opportunity rather than a financial burden. After completing my degree, I plan to return to Northern and give back to the community that shaped me.”
Ella Riggs
Ella Riggs is a senior at North Surry High School who plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Gardner-Webb University. A former junior volunteer at Northern, Ella gained firsthand experience observing compassionate care delivered by dedicated nurses.
“Shadowing healthcare professionals at Northern demonstrated the skill and dedication required to provide excellent care,” Ella wrote in her essay. “Seeing a patient arrive in distress and then watching their progress as they regain their health is truly inspiring. The ability to be part of that journey – to comfort, care, and support – fuels my passion for nursing.”
Ella is the daughter of Eric and Ann Riggs.
Grateful for the support, Ella said, “I’m really honored to receive the Robin Hodgin Scholarship. This $5,000 scholarship will help me a great deal as I pursue my nursing degree at Gardner-Webb University. It eases some of the financial stress, so I can focus on my studies and training. Thank you for this amazing opportunity!”
Visit ChooseNorthern.org for more information about the Robin Hardy Hodgin Scholarship Fund and the Northern Regional Hospital Foundation to donate.
