UNC Health Johnston Scholarships Support 15 Students Pursuing Medical Careers

SMITHFIELD, N.C. — Fifteen local students planning careers in healthcare have received scholarships from the UNC Health Johnston Volunteers, continuing a long-standing tradition of supporting the next generation of medical professionals.

The volunteers recently awarded $1,000 scholarships to students who will be pursuing degrees in healthcare-related fields. The scholarship program is funded through volunteer fundraising efforts and is designed to encourage students entering professions that are critical to the future of healthcare in the region.

Among this year’s recipients was Sophia Pak of Clayton, who received the Sue Archambeault Scholarship. The special award honors the memory of Sue Archambeault, a retired educator and longtime president of the UNC Health Johnston Volunteers. During her tenure, Archambeault helped expand fundraising efforts that significantly increased the scholarship program’s reach and impact.

The 2026 scholarship recipients include Chloe Sullivan of Smithfield, Amiyah Grace of Newton Grove, Sophia Pak of Clayton, Maya Fotopoulos of Clayton, Myles General of Clayton, Ja’Niyah Christmas of Clayton, Kadynce Mittleider of Smithfield, Talia Cox of Clayton, Alyson Reevey of Benson, Amanda Tran of Clayton, Naidelin Nery of Clayton, Elizabeth Vasquez of Garner, Amani Leonard of Clayton, Addison Taylor of Princeton, and Conchita Rodriguez-Catana of Kenly.

The annual scholarships reflect the volunteers’ commitment to strengthening the future healthcare workforce while giving back to the communities served by UNC Health Johnston.