OhioHealth Morrow County Hospital Celebrates Nurses’ Week With Scholarship Opportunity
OhioHealth Morrow County Hospital is celebrating National Nurses’ Week with a new opportunity to support the growth of its nursing team through an OhioHealth Foundation scholarship program.
In 2025, the OhioHealth Foundation awarded 516 scholarships to associates across the health system, totaling $601,339 in educational assistance for further study in the nursing field.
Nurses' Week is celebrated nationally every year from May 6 to May 12, ending on Florences Nightingale's birthday, the founder of modern nursing, to honor the crucial contributions, sacrifices and dedication of nurses.
“Our nurses care for patients and families with skill, compassion, and dedication every day,” Mike Hyek, OhioHealth Morrow County Hospital president said. “This scholarship opportunity is an investment in their future and in the future of healthcare in Morrow County. We are proud to celebrate our nursing team during Nurses’ Week and support their continued professional growth.”
The hospital held a ceremony on Friday, May 8th, to recognize the occasion and highlight the 2026 OhioHealth Nursing Excellence Scholarship opportunity now available to nurses at Morrow County Hospital. Hospital leaders, associates, and OhioHealth philanthropy leaders, are expected to attend the event.
Brandie Keller, BSN, RN, at Morrow County Hospital, is this year's recipient of the 2026 OhioHealth Nursing Excellence Scholarship. Keller was given her scholarship, during the ceremony, by OhioHealth Vice President of Philanthropy Simon Bisson.
"Receiving this Nursing Excellence Scholarship is incredibly meaningful to me because it represents the hard work, perseverance, and dedication I have put into my nursing journey,” Keller said. “From working long shifts while balancing family, school, and patient care, every challenge has strengthened my passion for helping others. This scholarship not only supports my continued education, but also reminds me that the compassion, teamwork, and commitment I bring to nursing are recognized and valued. I am honored and grateful for this opportunity as I continue pursuing my goals in advanced nursing practice.”
Recipients must apply for the scholarship and are selected blindly based on scores and scholarship criteria.
“This is the first time that I can recall an award like this being awarded at Morrow County Hospital and the first since joining OhioHealth,” Jessica Schwartz, OhioHealth Morrow County Hospital director of nursing said. “I think this is a great opportunity for our nursing team and encourages professional development and growth.”
Schwartz said the week is an important time to recognize the role nurses play every day for patients and families.
“Nurses make an impact in the lives of our patients every day through advocacy, compassion and presence in the moments that matter most,” Schwartz said. “Working at the bedside nurses build relationships with patients and families during tough times.”
She added that the scholarship can inspire nurses and other associates to continue their education and pursue new opportunities.
“Having opportunities like this supports our nursing profession and encourages nurses and associates to follow their dreams,” Schwartz said.
As Nurses’ Week continues, the ceremony offers a public moment to recognize the work nurses already do and the support that is now available to help them keep growing. For Morrow County Hospital, the event marks both a celebration and a step forward.
To make a contribution to support nursing excellence in your community, visit Giving.OhioHealth.com/Nursing.
