Four Local Students Awarded Robin Hardy Hodgin Education Scholarships
Mount Airy, NC – Northern Regional Hospital Foundation is proud to announce the 2026 recipients of the Robin Hardy Hodgin Education Scholarship. This year, the Foundation awarded scholarships to four exceptional high school seniors who plan to pursue careers in nursing and healthcare. The scholarship is designed to help cover tuition, books, and supplies for students enrolled 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 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). Through generous private donations, the Northern Regional Foundation matches scholarship funds dollar-for-dollar. 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 Joy Gilman, Chief Nursing Officer at Northern Regional Hospital. “This scholarship is a testament to the remarkable leadership and compassion of Robin Hodgin, a 45-year veteran of Northern Regional Hospital. These scholarships go beyond financial aid. They represent our commitment to nurturing the future of healthcare right here at home.”
The 2026 scholarship recipients were selected based on their academic achievements, leadership, community involvement, healthcare career aspirations, and financial need.
Finley Baird
Left: Finley Baird
Right: Christi Smiley, Vice President of Human Resources, presents the Scholarship award to Finley Baird.
Finley Baird is a senior at Mount Airy High School who plans to attend Surry Community College in the fall to pursue a degree in nursing. Finley has been actively involved in HOSA and has demonstrated a passion for helping others through his interest in healthcare.
“My passion for healthcare comes from a desire to help others and make a difference in their lives,” Finley wrote in his scholarship essay. “I want to be someone who not only helps treat patients but also makes them feel cared for.”
Jordin Beasley
Left: Jordin Beasley
Right: Joy Gilman, Chief Nursing Officer, presents the Scholarship award to Jordin Beasley.
Jordin Beasley is a senior at the Surry Early College High School and has been accepted into the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) program at Surry Community College for Fall 2026. Her ultimate goal is to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Jordin currently serves as a pre-apprentice in the Birthing Center at Northern Regional Hospital through the Surry-Yadkin Works program and will transition into an apprenticeship role. She is also a former junior volunteer at Northern Regional Hospital. In addition to her hands-on healthcare experience, Jordin is actively involved in HOSA, serving as Chapter President, Regional President, and State Vice President.
“Being present as families welcome new life into the world has been such a meaningful experience,” Jordin shared in her essay. “Each shift reminds me that this is exactly where I am meant to be.”
Madelyn Niston
Left: Madelyn Niston
Right: Allison Bedsaul, MSN, RN Senior Director of Acute Care and Director of Nurse Education, presents the Scholarship award to Madelyn Niston.
Madelyn Niston is a senior at North Surry High School who plans to attend the University of North Carolina Wilmington in the fall to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
In her scholarship essay, Madelyn reflected on the experiences that inspired her to pursue healthcare, including working with infants at a daycare and supporting her family through the loss of her grandfather.
“Healthcare is not just a career to me—it’s a calling,” Madelyn wrote. “I want to be someone who provides comfort, shows empathy, and makes a difference in people’s lives, no matter the situation.”
Ella Simmons
Left: Ella Simmons
Right: Tina Beasley, Director, Foundation & Volunteer Services, presents the Scholarship award to Ella Simmons.
Ella Simmons is a senior at East Surry High School who plans to attend the University of North Carolina Wilmington in the fall to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Her ultimate career goal is to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Ella is a former junior volunteer at Northern Regional Hospital and has been actively involved in HOSA, serving as President of her school chapter.
“My passion for healthcare began with my mother,” Ella shared in her essay. “Seeing the difference she made in people’s lives inspired me to do the same.”
Visit ChooseNorthern.org for more information about the Robin Hardy Hodgin Scholarship Fund and the Northern Regional Hospital Foundation to donate.
