July 13, 2026

2026 TidalHealth Nanticoke scholarship recipients

TidalHealth Nanticoke is pleased to announce its 2026 scholarship recipients.

Kolton Barger, Kaylee Popelas and Abigail Van Vorst are recipients of the Healthcare Education Scholarship. Barger graduated from Sussex Central High School and will attend Brevard College to pursue a career in exercise science and physical therapy. Popelas graduated from Sussex Technical High School and will attend Salisbury University to pursue a career in health science. Van Vorst graduated from Sussex Technical High School and will attend Regent University to pursue a career in psychology.

Neriza Jaimez-Vazquez is the recipient of the Jill Hickman Nursing Scholarship. Jaimez-Vazquez graduated from Seaford High School and will attend the University of Delaware to pursue a career in nursing.

Jean Pierre and Brianna Walker are recipients of the TidalHealth Diversity Scholarship. Pierre graduated from Seaford High School and will attend Salisbury University to pursue a career as an orthopedic surgeon. Walker graduated from Seaford High School and will attend Lee University to pursue a career as a registered nurse in labor and delivery.

“These hardworking graduates represent the future of compassionate, high-quality healthcare,” said Penny Short, MSM, BSN, RN, President of TidalHealth Nanticoke and Senior Vice President of TidalHealth. "We are honored to support them in the next step of their educational journeys and look forward to the positive impact they will make in the communities we serve."

Cutline: Pictured from left to right are Penny Short, MSM, BSN, RN, President of TidalHealth Nanticoke and Senior Vice President of TidalHealth; Jean Pierre; Abigail Van Vorst; Kaylee Popelas; Brianna Walker and Kolton Barger. (Not pictured: Neriza Jaimez-Vazquez.)