Patricia Frist Memorial Scholarship surpasses $15 million in support of dependents of HCA Healthcare colleagues

We are proud to announce that the Patricia Frist Memorial Scholarship has awarded more than $15 million dollars in scholarships to dependents of HCA Healthcare colleagues. Launched in 2019, by the HCA Healthcare Foundation, the merit-based scholarship program was created to help dependents of HCA Healthcare colleagues pursue two or four-year post-secondary undergraduate degrees.

In 2021, the scholarship was renamed in memory of Patricia Frist – a dedicated philanthropist and wife of HCA Healthcare co-founder Dr. Thomas Frist Jr – to honor her lasting legacy of service and generosity. Through the scholarship program, eligible applicants can receive merit-based higher education scholarships of up to $6,000 a year.

Since the scholarship program’s inception, 4,756 one-year scholarships totaling more than $15.5 million have been awarded to eligible dependents of full- and part-time HCA Healthcare colleagues across the country.

Below, meet six of this year’s inspiring scholarship recipients and learn how they plan to honor Patricia Frist’s legacy as they work towards their degrees.

Abigail Brockmeier

University: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Career Aspiration: Clinical Biomedical Research and Development
Hometown: Asheville, North Carolina

Patricia Frist Memorial Scholarship recipient Abigail Brockmeier is turning her passion for research and life sciences into a purpose-driven career. This fall she will begin the biomedical engineering program at University of North Carolina, eager to combine scientific innovation with her desire to improve lives.

Abigail credits her strong work ethic and values to her mother, Theresa Brockmeier, who joined the HCA Healthcare family two years ago as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technologist at Mission Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina. Abigail shares that watching her mother return to school to create a better future for them both taught her the importance of hard work and perseverance.

That same determination motivated Abigail to apply for the HCA Healthcare Foundation’s Patricia Frist Memorial Scholarship. She recalls that receiving the award “felt like a gift sent from God” and lifted a significant financial burden. “I have always wanted to attend a 4-year university and take part in a prestigious program but was worried about the cost,” Abigail explained. “This scholarship has shown me that there are people willing to help aspiring students follow their dreams, despite limitations.”

Theresa shares that the family will keep Patricia Frist’s legacy close to their hearts as an inspiration to continue helping others through healthcare. Abigail hopes to do the same. She views the scholarship as an investment in her future – one she intends to honor giving back. Whether through invention, research or volunteer work, she says her goal is to use her education to improve more lives and “change the world for the better.”

Josephine (Josie) Kneeland

University: University of Arizona
Major: Nursing
Career Aspiration: NICU Nurse  
Hometown: Parker, Colorado  

Patricia Frist Memorial Scholarship recipient Josie Kneeland has always known she wanted to work in healthcare, inspired by her mother’s career. But it was her volunteer experience at HCA HealthONE Sky Ridge in Lone Tree, Colorado, that truly sparked her passion for nursing.

While volunteering, Josie observed the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurse team in action, delivering exceptional care in high pressure situations. “The moment I realized how incredible the NICU team was, I knew that one day I wanted to be a part of this,” she recalled.

Emily Kneeland, Josie’s mother, has dedicated her 15-year career at HCA Healthcare to caring for mothers and babies – first as a nurse in the Mom/Baby Unit at HCA HealthONE Sky Ridge and later as a NICU nurse. Watching her mother care for the hospital’s smallest patients gave Josie a firsthand look at the compassion, skill and commitment the role requires.

With support from the Patricia Frist Memorial Scholarship, Josie is preparing to complete her senior year in the nursing program at the University of Arizona, determined to carry forward her family’s legacy of caregiving.

“This support motivates me to stay focused in my studies to continue striving to be the best nurse that I can become,” Josie said. Her mother added, “This scholarship will help Josie focus on school while she is completing this competitive nursing program. It is fantastic to have the support of the company I work for to support my daughter in achieving her goals.”

Hendrix Montejano

University: Texas Tech University
Major: Biochemistry, Pre-Pharmacy
Career Aspiration: Pharmacist
Hometown: San Antonio, Texas

For Hendrix Montejano, earning the Patricia Frist Memorial Scholarship was a proud moment – for both her and her parents.

“It was the first scholarship I earned outside of my college one, so it was rewarding to see that my efforts were recognized,” said Hendrix, the oldest of four sisters. She shared that the scholarship will help ease the financial stress that often comes with pursuing a degree.

Hendrix has long been drawn to healthcare but knew she wanted to support patients in a meaningful way behind the scenes. Her interest in science and medicine led her to pharmacy. “The healthcare system has always interested me,” Hendrix said. “I find the creation and science behind medicine so fascinating, which led to me wanting to learn more about it.”

Her father, Bernabe Montejano, an HCA Healthcare emergency room nurse at HCA Healthcare affiliate Methodist Hospital Westover Hills in San Antonio, Texas, couldn’t be prouder.

“She has worked so hard during high school to be in the top 10% of her class,” said Bernabe. “She even changed her curriculum her senior year to become a nationally certified pharmacy tech. And for the HCA Healthcare Foundation to recognize her for her hard work and dedication to her studies is truly amazing.”

Jakhari Bethea

University: Georgia Southern University
Major: Exercise Science
Career Aspiration: Football/Strength and Conditioning Coach
Hometown: Waycross, Georgia

“It is a true blessing to receive this scholarship,” said Jakhari Bethea, a 2025 Patricia Frist Memorial Scholarship recipient and first-generation college student at Georgia Southern University. Jakhari plans to pursue a career as a football or strength and conditioning coach, a goal shaped by his grandfather’s influence. “He’s played a big role in my life and has inspired me to pour into the younger kids,” he said.

Jakhari first learned about the scholarship through his mother, Kisha Bethea, a patient care technician at HCA Healthcare’s Memorial Satilla Health in Waycross, Georgia. For Kisha and her family, the scholarship has given them peace of mind, reinforcing the power of education and hard work.

Overwhelmed with appreciation, Kisha is extremely proud of Jakhari and all he has accomplished. “[The Patricia Frist Memorial Scholarship] reaffirmed that every challenge he faced was worth it and inspired me to continue supporting his dreams wholeheartedly,” Kisha said.

Jakhari shares that sense of gratitude: “I was so honored and appreciate the people who believe in what I want for the future.”

Addison Zacharias

University: New York University (NYU), Tisch School of the Arts
Major: Musical Theatre
Career Aspiration: Musical Theatre Performer or Actor
Hometown: Glen Allen, Virginia

For Addison Zacharias, theatre is more than a passion – it’s her way of creating art and sharing it with the world. Now a sophomore at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, Addison is working toward a career as a performer with the help of the Patricia Frist Memorial Scholarship.

“When I learned that I had received this scholarship, I was incredibly thankful and proud,” Addison said. “I immediately felt thankful for all of my family, mentors and loved ones that have helped me get to where I am today.”

Her mother, Melissa Zacharias, a speech language pathologist at HCA Healthcare’s Chippenham Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia, has been one of Addison’s strongest supporters. Through her own career caring for others, Melissa has also taught Addison lessons that extend beyond the stage.

“My mom always taught me to see the good in people, and to remind myself that I never know what someone is going through,” Addison said. “Through this mindset, I found patience for not only others, but also myself. It allowed me to give myself the same grace that I was taught to give to others.”

Melissa is equally proud of her daughter’s determination and talent. “I have great pride in Addison’s ability to express herself in ways that highlight her strengths and why she deserves this honor,” Melissa explained. “She’s such a hard worker, as well as very talented, and this scholarship is a wonderful way to showcase all she has to offer.”

Addison says that the support she’s received means more than financial assistance. “I am so honored and thankful to be supported by the HCA Healthcare Foundation. It gives me hope that my future goals are still in reach, and I feel supported on my journey.”

The application period for the 2026-27 Patricia Frist Memorial Scholarship opens in January 2026.