CaroMont Health Foundation Announces 2026 Scholarships

Gastonia, N.C. - The CaroMont Health Foundation recently awarded $248,000 in scholarships to students and professionals pursuing careers in healthcare for the 2026-2027 academic year. The 32 recipients were honored on August 6, 2026, at the CaroMont Health Foundation’s inaugural scholarship banquet, connecting scholarship recipients with CaroMont Health leadership and community supporters of healthcare education. 

The CaroMont Health Foundation awarded the funds through eight scholarships this year: Wayne F. Shovelin Scholarship, Amanda George Self Emergency Medicine Scholarship, CaroMont Health Auxiliary Gertrude Clinton Health Career Scholarship, Dr. Marty D’Amore Scholarship, Gene and Jo Woody Family Scholarship, Lonnie and Rachel Waggoner Nursing Education Scholarship, Mr. and Mrs. Joe R. Hudson Nursing Scholarship, and the Team CaroMont Scholarship. These scholarships are made possible through contributions from generous community donors, businesses and CaroMont Health employees. 

Wayne F. Shovelin Scholarship 

The Wayne F. Shovelin Scholarship was established in 2009 by the Duke Kimbrell Family in honor of Wayne Shovelin’s many contributions to CaroMont Health, including his 23 years as President and CEO.  The scholarship recognizes high academic achievement, demonstrated leadership and meaningful community involvement. It has been expanded to broaden opportunities for students pursuing higher degrees in health-related fields. In exchange for this support, recipients agree to work at CaroMont Health for two years following completion of their program. 

The 2026 Wayne F. Shovelin Scholarship was awarded to two CaroMont Health employees, Wayne Morris Jr., a Master of Nursing candidate at UNC Wilmington, and Aaron Sims, an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing candidate at Queens University, Class of 2027. They join Olivia Michael (2025), Aissatou Diouf (2024) and Liana Mattera (2023) as recent recipients of this award. 

Amanda George Self Emergency Medicine Scholarship 

The Amanda George Self Emergency Medicine Scholarship Fund was created in 2018 in memory of Amanda Self to recognize her fifteen years of service with CaroMont Regional Medical Center. Initial funds for this scholarship were provided by her colleagues and friends in celebration of her enthusiasm for education and support of her peers. Annual support is received from colleagues and friends and employee giving through the Team CaroMont campaign. Awards from this scholarship are given to students pursuing education in emergency medicine. 

The Amanda George Self Emergency Medicine Scholarship was awarded to Madison Peek. 

CaroMont Health Auxiliary Gertrude Clinton Health Career Scholarship 

The scholarship was established by the Gaston Memorial Hospital Auxiliary in 1971. Mrs. Gertrude Clinton served as Gaston County Social Services Director, Personnel Director for CaroMont Health, and was a founding member and President of the CaroMont Regional Medical Center Auxiliary. Following Mrs. Clinton’s death, the scholarship fund was renamed in her memory.

The CaroMont Health Auxiliary Gertrude Clinton Health Career Scholarships were awarded to Sariah Alege, Nathaly Angulo, Cameryn Bell, Josie Cloninger, Riley Decker, Sofia Dorantes, Ariel Edwards, Erika Ellis, Mallory Gosnell, Claire Griffin, Peyton Hunsucker, Alayna Janik, Logan McCorkle, Zalak Mehta, Joshua Cruz Morales, Makenlie Nixon, Pearl Nsimundele, Cooper Payne, Madison Peek, Joshua Ramsey, Hannah Rodden, Zuha Shaikh, Karleigh Smith, Shloke Soni, Aiden VanderMeer, Paola Vargas and Nya Woods. 

Dr. Marty D’Amore Scholarship 

The Marty D’Amore Scholarship Fund was established in 2015 following the death of Dr. D’Amore after a long battle with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). The fund was created and supported by donations from physicians and the medical community. Awards from this scholarship are given to students accepted or enrolled in an accredited Radiology Sciences program. 

The Dr. Marty D’Amore Scholarship was awarded to Taylor Boone. 

Gene and Jo Woody Family Scholarship 

Established by the Woody family in 2023, the Gene and Jo Woody Family Scholarship was created to memorialize the legacy of Dr. and Mrs. Woody, who had longstanding careers and dedication to volunteerism in healthcare fields. The couple served in the US Navy before moving to Gastonia in 1945, where Dr. Woody started his dental practice and Mrs. Woody, a registered nurse, volunteered for the Red Cross Bloodmobile. This scholarship supports students pursuing an education in a healthcare-related field who exemplify what Dr. and Mrs. Woody stood for. 

The Gene and Jo Woody Family Scholarships were awarded to Gianna Carneglia, Logan McCorkle, and Joshua Ramsey. 

Lonnie and Rachel Waggoner Nursing Scholarship 

The Lonnie and Rachel Waggoner Nursing Education Scholarship is a permanent endowment established in 2005. Awards from this scholarship are given to students seeking an accredited degree in the field of nursing (LPN, RN or BSN). 

The Lonnie and Rachel Waggoner Nursing Education Scholarships were awarded to Erika Ellis, Madison Joyner and Kaitlyn McSwain. 

Mr. and Mrs. Joe R. Hudson Scholarship 

Mr. and Mrs. Joe Hudson established the Hudson Scholarship in 1974 to support students and help staff the new Gaston Memorial Hospital. Awards from this scholarship program are given based on organizational needs, scholastics and acceptance into nursing programs for area students. Recipients must sign a promissory note that they intend to become or remain an employee of CaroMont Health after completing their studies. 

The Mr. and Mrs. Joe R. Hudson Nursing Scholarship was awarded to Courtney Cahoon. 

Team CaroMont Scholarship 

The Team CaroMont Scholarship was established in 2015 and funded by employee contributions to the Team CaroMont campaign. 100% of donations given to the Team CaroMont Scholarship Fund directly supports educational opportunities for CaroMont Health employees pursuing an education in health-related programs and select non-degree programs. 

The Team CaroMont Scholarships were awarded to Ariel Edwards, Rori McCorkle, Makenlie Nixon and Noemi Villa Platas.

To learn more about CaroMont Health Foundation scholarships and programs, contact Hannah Newcombe at hannah.newcombe@caromonthealth.org or click here: https://caromonthealth.org/our-community/foundation/programs/scholarships/