The Friends of York Hospital Announce 2026 Scholarship Recipients

Three Outstanding Local Students Recognized for Academic Excellence, Community Service, and Commitment to Healthcare Careers

The Friends of York Hospital are pleased to announce the three recipients of the 2026 Friends of York Hospital Scholarship. Each recipient will receive a $5,000 award to support their studies toward a career in healthcare. The scholarship was established in June 1962 to support students from the communities served by the hospital who plan to pursue careers in medicine and healthcare.

This year’s recipients are Isabella M. Parrotta, a graduate of York High School, who will attend Emmanuel College to study nursing; Lauren M. Jordan, a graduate of Noble High School who will attend the University of Rhode Island to pursue biology and pre-medical studies; and Willoughby L. Manser, also a Noble High School graduate, with plans to study nursing at Keene State College.

The three students were selected for their strong academic records, leadership, community involvement, work experience, and demonstrated commitment to careers in healthcare.

Isabella M. Parrotta has distinguished herself as a leader both in and out of the classroom. Graduating in the top 10% of her class, she maintained honor roll or high honor roll status throughout high school while serving as class president all four years. She balanced those academic and leadership responsibilities with varsity volleyball, indoor and outdoor track, and working during the school year and summers at local hospitality hotspots.

But it is Parrotta’s sustained commitment to healthcare and community service that sets her apart. Over the past three years, Isabella volunteered two hours every week at the York Hospital Emergency Department, contributing more than 100 hours of service. She also volunteered through the high school’s Interact Club and helped coach middle school girls’ volleyball. Her experiences have showcased and reinforced her desire to build a career centered on caring for others.

Parrotta plans to begin her career as a registered nurse before pursuing advanced education to become a nurse anesthetist. Her goal is grounded in “service, leadership and personal growth” — qualities she has demonstrated consistently throughout her school and community.

Lauren M. Jordan has paired exceptional academic achievement with a clear and growing commitment to medicine. A valedictorian, she earned numerous academic honors, including three French Highest GPA awards, AP Scholar recognition and College Board National Recognition Program honors. Lauren also pursued challenging academic opportunities through STEM and SEAL diploma endorsements.

Outside the classroom, Jordan has demonstrated leadership and interpersonal skills that will serve her well as a physician. She captained her varsity soccer team as a senior, participated in varsity track and served in both the National Honor Society and French Honor Society. Her interest in healthcare has also been hands-on: She became a Certified Nursing Assistant and participated in medical and research-focused programs, including the University of Southern Maine’s SMART Research Program.

Service has been another consistent thread throughout Jordan’s high school experience. She volunteered at York Hospital, coached young soccer players, mentored elementary students in French and assisted in a special education classroom and kindergarten program. Her goal of becoming a physician is fueled by a desire to combine medical expertise with compassion. Lauren hopes “to meet every future patient with skilled care and the genuine, unwavering compassion they deserve.”

For Willoughby L. Manser, caring for others is not simply a career goal; it is something she has been practicing throughout her life. A student-athlete and leader, Manser earned Honor Roll and Student of the Month recognition while serving as captain of her varsity volleyball, swim and track and field teams. She also found time to coach middle school volleyball for four years and serve as a teacher’s assistant.

Her commitment to people with disabilities is especially personal. Growing up with a brother with special needs, Manser naturally became involved in helping him learn everyday skills, an experience that taught her the value of patience, encouragement, and compassion. She carried those lessons into four years of volunteering with Special Olympics, Special Sailing, and Special Surfers, where she found opportunities to help others “spread joy and learning.”

Willoughby has continued to explore her interest in healthcare through lifeguarding, a University of New England medical career exploration camp, and a selective CNA program in which she worked with patients living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. She plans to become a compassionate and understanding nurse in a medical-surgical unit — a career path that reflects the empathy and dedication she has already demonstrated in so many ways.

The Friends of York Hospital are proud to invest in Isabella, Lauren and Willoughby as they begin the next chapter of their education. Their accomplishments and dedication to serving others embody the spirit of the scholarship and offer great promise for the future of healthcare in our community and beyond.

About The Friends of York Hospital: 

The Friends of York Hospital is a dedicated volunteer organization that has supported the hospital and its community since 1959. They gather three times annually for meetings that include a guest speaker, organizational business review, and light fare. While new members are always welcome, the organization is also excited to reconnect with past scholarship recipients. If you're interested in joining or reconnecting, please contact the Friends of York Hospital co-chairs:  Linda Cannon at lindac7583@yahoo.com or Judith McAllister at jedmca@gmail.com.

The scholarship program is funded through membership dues, along with generous donations from the Physicians’ Committee, the York Hospital Apothecary, and community donations such as the organization’s popular Holiday Basket Raffle held each December. 

To contribute to the Friends of York Hospital Scholarship Fund and help support future students pursuing careers in healthcare, please send tax-deductible donations payable to: Friends of York Hospital, Attn: Judith McAllister, 15 Hospital Drive, York, ME 03909.

For more information about volunteering or student experiences at York Hospital, contact Kate Ford, Director of Volunteer and Student Services, at kford@yorkhospital.com or (207) 351-2224. 

For inquiries about York Hospital services, contact Community Relations at (207) 351-2385 or info@yorkhospital.com or visit www.yorkhospital.com.