York Hospital Announces 2026 Carroll Family & Michael C. Rossiter Scholarship Recipients

York Hospital is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Carroll Family & Michael C. Rossiter Scholarships: Lauren Jordan of North Berwick and Isabella Parrotta of York, two exceptional graduates whose commitment to service, compassion, and quiet leadership embody the spirit of the scholarship.

Established in memory of Sylvester and Ruth Carroll and Michael C. Rossiter, and inspired by the enduring legacy of their daughter, Patricia "Pat" Rossiter, the scholarship recognizes more than academic excellence. It honors students who demonstrate integrity, perseverance, humility, and a commitment to serving others. Award recipients are active hospital volunteers living within communities served by York Hospital, who have dedicated at least 50 hours of service and have demonstrated, through both their actions and character, that they are prepared to make meaningful contributions to their communities beyond their chosen professions.

For this year's recipients, volunteering in York Hospital’s Emergency Department became far more than a service requirement. It became the place where their ambitions found purpose. It was where everyday moments, comforting a lonely patient, offering reassurance to nervous family members, or quietly assisting staff behind the scenes, helped guide the way toward the professionals they aspire to become.

Lauren Jordan, a graduate and valedictorian of Noble High School's Class of 2026, will attend the University of Rhode Island in Kingston, where she will study in the Biology/Pre-Medicine program with the goal of becoming a physician.

All would agree that Lauren's academic accomplishments are extraordinary; these include a 4.38 GPA, College Board AP Scholar recognition, chosen for French and National Honor Societies, participation in the Dirigo State Leadership Program at Colby College and USM MaineSMART Research Program, along with the Suffolk University Book Award. However, those who know her best, point first to her curious and thoughtful nature.

Her experiences volunteering in the York Hospital Emergency Department helped shape her understanding of healthcare as a young adult. While transporting patients, running laboratory specimens, assisting families, and helping staff prepare rooms, Lauren discovered that meaningful healthcare extends well beyond diagnosis and treatment. She found herself drawn to the human side of medicine: the conversations and trust and offering comfort during uncertain situations.

One interaction with an older patient left an impression on Lauren. While holding her hand, the woman shared stories of her life, and she realized that sometimes what patients need most is someone willing to simply be present and listen. This reinforced her belief that every patient is more than a medical chart and strengthened her desire to become the kind of physician who combines scientific excellence with genuine compassion.

Her dedication to caring for others is evident well beyond the hospital. Lauren earned her Certified Nursing Assistant credential while still in high school, worked part-time in long-term care, volunteered with kindergarten students and special education classrooms, mentored younger French students, coached youth soccer, and helped expand access to art supplies for children through the Continuum Arts Collective.

Teachers describe Lauren as exceptionally driven yet remarkably humble. One educator called her "one of the most determined, level-headed, and bright young women I have ever taught," praising not only her academic ability but her initiative, warmth, and willingness to step forward without seeking recognition.

For Lauren, "Service Before Self" means "choosing to be present where I am needed, not where I am recognized"—a philosophy that has guided her volunteer work and will undoubtedly shape her future as a physician.

Also receiving the Carroll Family and Michael C. Rossiter Scholarship is Isabella Parrotta, a graduate of York High School's Class of 2026. Isabella will attend Emmanuel College in Boston to pursue a degree in nursing with a minor in nutrition, before continuing her education to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

Isabella graduated with an outstanding 101.5 weighted GPA, a reflection of the same discipline and curiosity that have defined her high school years. Her academic success included the rigorous AP Capstone program, where Isabella embraced independent, interdisciplinary research that challenged her to investigate issues she was genuinely passionate about. Combining her interests in public health and social media, Isabella conducted an in-depth research project examining how social media commenting tools influence nutritional behaviors and body image. The project demanded academic independence and critical thinking, as she navigated a maze of research challenges. These are qualities her AP Seminar & Research teacher praised as producing an exemplary final product and demonstrating Isabella's “resilience and commitment to academic excellence.”

Yet for Isabella, learning has always been most meaningful when paired with service. Isabella's dream of working in healthcare began long before she was old enough to volunteer. As a child, hospitals represented a place of fascination and possibility. Four years of weekly volunteer service in the York Hospital Emergency Department transformed that childhood dream into a calling, grounded in empathy.

Working alongside physicians, nurses, and emergency staff, Isabella witnessed both the urgency and vulnerability that define emergency medicine. She quickly learned that while medical expertise saves lives, kindness and human connection can profoundly change someone's experience as well.

She recalls spending time with patients who arrived alone, discovering that even a brief conversation could ease fear and remind someone they were not alone. Those moments reinforced her belief that compassion is not an extra part of healthcare. But rather, is at its very heart.

Isabella’s leadership has always been rooted in service rather than titles, although she has earned many. Throughout high school she served as class president all four years, president of Interact Club, secretary of Eco Club, captain of the varsity volleyball team, and participated in numerous community initiatives ranging from food drives and homeless outreach to coaching middle school volleyball.

Hospital staff credit Isabella as a “pivotal volunteer” who helped build the Emergency Department student volunteer program from its earliest days. A true self-starter, she became so proficient that she now trains incoming student volunteers, setting the standard for professionalism and compassion.

One teacher described Isabella as optimistic, motivated, and deeply committed to her values, someone who fully immerses herself in every opportunity while always looking for ways to strengthen her community.

Isabella defines "Service Before Self" as consistently choosing the needs of others over personal convenience. Whether volunteering at the hospital or organizing community service projects, instead of spending free time at home she believes service is not an occasional act but a way of life.

While Lauren and Isabella have taken different paths to reach this milestone, they share qualities that define the Carroll Family & Michael C. Rossiter Scholarship: quiet determination, intellectual curiosity, and an authentic desire to improve the lives of others. Through countless hours of volunteer service, both discovered that healthcare is about more than medicine—it is about compassion, teamwork, and showing up when people need you most.

“Both Bella and Lauren truly embody the values and spirit that Pat Rossiter envisioned when she established this scholarship more than nine years ago,” said York Hospital’s Director of Volunteer and Student Services Kate Ford.  “I can't imagine two more deserving young women. I know Mrs. Rossiter would be incredibly proud of all they have already accomplished along with the lasting impact on the patients and communities they will one day serve.”

For more information about volunteering at York Hospital, contact Kate Ford, Director of Volunteer & Student Services, at kford@yorkhospital.com or (207) 351-2224. Or visit the York Hospital website at https://www.yorkhospital.com/resources/student-opportunities.